Jakarta — The Social Progress Index (SPI) has reported a significant improvement in Indonesia’s social welfare over the past decade under the leadership of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
A report by LSI Denny JA on Monday (September 30) highlighted these improvements, noting that SPI is essential for assessing how a government enhances the well-being of its citizens beyond economic indicators.
According to LSI Denny JA, Indonesia’s SPI score rose from 61.65 in 2014 to 67.22 in 2023, with the country’s ranking improving from 92nd to 80th. This demonstrates an improved standard of living despite ongoing challenges.
The report credited three key factors for the increase in social welfare:
- Access to Education: Programs like the Kartu Indonesia Pintar (Smart Indonesia Card) were introduced to promote educational participation, especially among low-income families.
- Healthcare Services: The National Health Insurance program (JKN) expanded healthcare access, particularly for marginalized communities, improving overall public health.
- Social Infrastructure: Investments in infrastructure, such as roads and public facilities, have improved access to essential services, enhancing quality of life.
LSI Denny JA also explained the significance of SPI as a measure of success:
- Quality of Life Beyond GDP: SPI evaluates non-economic factors like education, health, and human rights, providing a more comprehensive view of a country’s well-being beyond GDP.
- Impact of Government Policies: SPI reflects how policies such as healthcare coverage expansion and education improvement directly impact people’s quality of life.
- Global Comparison: Indonesia’s rise in SPI rankings indicates alignment with more advanced countries in terms of social welfare.
The report also recognized Jokowi’s efforts in healthcare, education, and social protection programs like the Program Keluarga Harapan (Family Hope Program), which provides cash assistance to impoverished families for basic needs.
In conclusion, LSI Denny JA stated that SPI reflects Jokowi’s success in addressing basic needs, expanding education and healthcare access, and creating more economic opportunities.
“Jokowi’s 10-year tenure can be seen as a success based on the SPI, with continued efforts required to achieve full equality and social justice nationwide,” the report concluded. (RR)