Indonesia
According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the percentage of the poor population in March 2022 stood at 9.54 percent, a decrease of 0.17 percentage points compared to September 2021 and a decrease of 0.60 percentage points compared to March 2021. The number of people living in poverty in March 2022 was 26.16 million, a decrease of 0.34 million compared to September 2021 and a decrease of 1.38 million compared to March 2021. The percentage of the urban population living in poverty in September 2021 was 7.60 percent, dropping to 7.50 percent in March 2022. Meanwhile, the percentage of the rural poor in September 2021 was 12.53 percent, dropping to 12.29 percent in March 2022.
Based on this data, it is evident that poverty levels in Indonesia have been declining significantly in recent times. However, despite showing a positive trend, one undeniable fact from this data is that the country still has a certain percentage of its population living in poverty. This is certainly one of the issues that must be addressed immediately, given that Indonesia is a nation with a wide range of potential that can be maximally developed to focus on resolving this problem.
In a recent Kompas column, it was explained that Indonesia has great potential to be a developed country. This potential stems from Indonesia’s human resources (HR) and natural resources (NR). In terms of human resources, Indonesia has a demographic dividend with a larger young population, which can boost productivity. High productivity can drive economic growth. According to several sources, this can bring prosperity to the Indonesian people, which is an indicator of a developed country.
In line with that, a public policy analyst outlined several reasons why Indonesia has the potential to be a developed country. First, Indonesia possesses abundant natural resources, ranging from petroleum, natural gas, coal, minerals, to agricultural and plantation products. This wealth of natural resources can serve as capital for Indonesia to develop its economy.
These natural resources can also be utilized to produce a variety of products and services that can boost Indonesia’s economy. For example, mining products can be processed into various industrial goods, agricultural products can be sold in the domestic market or exported, plantation products can be processed into various food and beverage products, forestry products can be utilized for the timber and pulp industries, marine products can be utilized for the fisheries and tourism industries, and tourism resources can be leveraged to attract foreign tourists.
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Second, Indonesia has a large population of approximately 270 million people. As the country with the fourth-largest population in the world, Indonesia possesses a massive domestic market. This presents significant potential for economic growth, as it can create jobs and boost consumer spending. Indonesia’s working-age population is projected to reach 67% of the total population by 2045. This means Indonesia possesses a vast human resource pool capable of working and producing goods and services.
Third, strategic geographical factors. Indonesia is situated between two countries, Asia and Australia, and two oceans, the Pacific and the Indian. This strategic geographical location presents an opportunity for Indonesia to develop trade and investment.
Fourth, Indonesia continues to improve the quality of its human resources through education and training. This can enhance the productivity of Indonesia’s workforce and the competitiveness of Indonesian products in the global market.
Fifth, Indonesia continues to build infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, airports, ports, and power grids. Adequate infrastructure can support economic growth and improve public welfare.
Sixth, Indonesia has significant potential for innovation in the fields of technology, economics, and social development. Innovation can be the key for Indonesia to enhance its competitiveness in the global arena.
The point is that this country has a wide-open opportunity to elevate its status as a developed nation and become one of the world’s major economic powers. The question now is how policymakers can organize all stakeholders to participate in achieving this vision.
Among the various efforts undertaken, we believe that one aspect that needs to be maximized to achieve societal well-being and transform Indonesia into a developed nation is the integration of Islam and multiculturalism.
As is well known, Islam and multiculturalism represent Indonesia’s inherent potential, as both are integral to the nation’s identity—a nation rich in cultural and religious diversity.
Indonesia is a multicultural nation with a population of diverse religions, ethnicities, races, and cultures. Islam is the majority religion in Indonesia, with a population of approximately 87.2%. This diversity represents a significant potential that can be harnessed to make Indonesia a developed nation.
One of Islam’s key strengths lies in the values of tolerance and brotherhood it teaches. These values can serve as a foundation for building a harmonious and prosperous society. In Islam, every human being is equal in the eyes of God, regardless of differences in religion, ethnicity, race, and culture. Therefore, Islam teaches its followers to respect one another and value differences.
These values of tolerance and fraternity can be catalysts in building a harmonious multicultural society. With tolerance, people can live side by side in peace and support one another. Meanwhile, fraternity can strengthen bonds among citizens, enabling them to work together to advance the nation.
Another strength of Islam is its spirit of seeking knowledge. Islam encourages its followers to seek knowledge, both religious and secular. Through knowledge, Muslims can develop themselves and contribute to the nation’s progress.
This spirit of seeking knowledge can serve as a foundation for transforming Indonesia into a developed nation. With a qualified workforce, Indonesia can compete with other nations worldwide.
Cultural diversity is also a significant potential asset of Indonesia. This cultural diversity can attract international tourists. By developing tourism, Indonesia can boost its economy.
Thus, it can be said that the potential of Islam and multiculturalism in Indonesia can be harnessed to make Indonesia a developed nation. With the values of tolerance and brotherhood, the spirit of seeking knowledge, and cultural diversity, Indonesia can become a prosperous, thriving, and united nation.
Author: Imam Alfafan Yakub
