Presenters: Fauziah, Rianda Hanis
Affiliation: IAIN Pontianak
Room: 2 (Online)
ICIES News- At the 4th International Conference on Islamic Economics Studies (ICIES) 2024, held online, researchers Fauziah and Rianda Hanis from IAIN Pontianak presented their study titled “Analysis of The Influence of Human Development Index (HDI) on Poverty Rates in West Kalimantan.” Their research provides critical insights into the relationship between the Human Development Index (HDI) and poverty levels in West Kalimantan, a province known for having one of the highest poverty rates on the island of Kalimantan.
The study addressed the persistent issue of poverty, which remains a global challenge affecting economic growth, social equality, and even religious beliefs. West Kalimantan’s struggle with poverty is particularly acute, as it ranked second in poverty levels in 2021 and 2022, and had the highest poverty rate among all provinces in Kalimantan in 2023.
Focusing on key components of the HDI—Life Expectancy at Birth (UHH), Expected Years of Schooling (HLS), Mean Years of Schooling (RLS), and Real Per Capita Expenditure—the researchers examined how these factors influence poverty in the region. Their findings offer a mixed picture of the HDI’s effectiveness in reducing poverty.
Notably, the Life Expectancy at Birth (UHH) variable, which measures public health by the average lifespan of the population, was found to have no significant effect on poverty levels in West Kalimantan. This result suggests that even if people live longer, without quality healthcare and education, extended lifespans alone do not lift individuals out of poverty.
Similarly, the Expected Years of Schooling (HLS) variable, which indicates the expected duration of education for children, also did not significantly influence poverty levels. This finding points to a gap between educational opportunities and their actual impact on improving living standards. The research suggests that despite the availability of education, if the community does not recognize its importance, participation rates in education remain low, hindering efforts to reduce poverty.
Conversely, the Mean Years of Schooling (RLS) variable, reflecting the actual average years of education completed by the population, did have a significant impact on poverty. The study highlighted that low participation in education is a key factor in the high poverty rates observed in West Kalimantan, aligning with previous research that links poverty with inadequate education.
Moreover, Real Per Capita Expenditure was shown to influence poverty, indicating that higher purchasing power correlates with lower poverty levels. This finding underscores the fundamental nature of poverty as a condition of economic insufficiency, where the inability to meet basic needs due to low income is a primary concern.
The study concludes that while certain components of the HDI, such as life expectancy and expected years of schooling, may not directly reduce poverty, other factors like actual educational attainment and income levels play a crucial role. The researchers called for the government to reassess the effectiveness of human development programs in West Kalimantan, emphasizing the need for comprehensive efforts to improve health, education, and economic conditions in the province.
The research suggests that a concerted focus on enhancing human resource quality through improved education and economic opportunities is essential for tackling poverty in West Kalimantan. These findings provide valuable guidance for policymakers aiming to address the complex interrelated factors that contribute to poverty in the region.