Poverty in Indonesia at a Glance

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. It consists of five major islands and more than 17,000 islands. As it has the fourth biggest population in the world, the total population in 2003 was 215.04 million-90.8 millions were economically active. About 46% of the economically active population is working in agriculture sector. Though the urban inhabitants are increasing significantly, the rural is about 55 % of the total population.

The poverty in Indonesia still remains significant. In 1980 there were 23.6% population living below poverty line, and decreased to 17.5% in 1996. However, since Indonesia was the worst affected by Asian crisis, in 1999 the poverty level rose to 23.4% but it declined to 16.7% in 2004. Literacy rate was considered as moderate in Indonesia where 83% of female and 93% of male are literate. Life expectancy at birth in Indonesia was also different between male and female but female has life expectancy at birth at 69.3 years while male at 65.3 years. About 69% of population in rural areas has access to an improved water source, but there is 23.1 % of population without access to health facilities.

Heifer International Engagement in Indonesia

Heifer International has started its involvement for rural community development in Indonesia since 1982. In the 1980s, Heifer International developed partnerships with local organizations, which provided assistance to rural communities, in Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi . The country office was established in 1997, with focused the program in Sumatra island.

In 2003 Heifer Indonesia was legally registered as a branch of an international NGO after signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Agriculture and Heifer International.

Holistic Development as Heart of Dedication

In implementing all Heifer International Indonesia programs, holistic approach becomes a heart of its engagement to eradicate poverty and care for the earth in Indonesia , as clearly stated in the approved Strategic Plan of Heifer International Indonesia in December 2004.

A Plan of Operation

A plan of operation which strengthens the link between poverty and environmental deterioration also has been set up with a geographical focus for Sumatra, especially in West Sumatra, North Sumatra, Lampung and South Sumatra .

The main target group is poor families in rural Sumatra . Impacting rural communities via CBOs will be the entry strategy. Thus, the primary beneficiaries are poor community and their family members as well as CBOs.

Heifer International Indonesia's program focuses on the five areas below: