Banjar prepares program to reduce poverty

Banjar Vice Regent H. Ahmad Fauzan Shaleh hands over a donation to fire disaster victims in Pingaran Ilir Village, Astambul, He said that the central and regional governments have prepared a community empowerment program to reduce poverty in the district.(AntaranewsKalsel/foto humas)

Poverty alleviation programs must be systematic, planned and synergic between the central and regional governments and cooperate with the private sector,

Martapura, S Kalimantan (AntaranewsKalsel) - The Government of Banjar District is preparing a poverty alleviation program to reduce the number of poor people in the resource-rich district.

"Poverty alleviation programs must be systematic, planned and synergic between the central and regional governments and cooperate with the private sector," said Banjar Poverty Reduction Team leader Saidi Mansyur in Martapura on Wednesday.

Saidi, Vice Regent of Banjar, said that the central and regional governments have prepared a community empowerment program based on the potential of the surrounding area.

Three elements, he remarked, ranging from government, private, and society should be synergized so they can play a role in tackling poverty that occurs in the community.

On the other hand, private care is also needed to reduce poverty through the allocation of social funds by the company.

"We assess the distribution of social funds is still not maximal, so in the future must be maximized to help the community to be free from poverty," he said.

Head of Regional Board of Development Planning and Research (Bappelitbangda) Harry Supriadi said the percentage of poor people in the district has declined from 3.10 percent in 2016 to 2.96 percent in 2017 and that figure is expected to continue to decline.