Jakarta — According to the Social Progress Index (SPI), Indonesia has seen significant improvements in social welfare over the past decade under the leadership of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), particularly in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
A recent report by LSI Denny JA highlighted these advancements, noting that the SPI is vital in evaluating a government’s efforts to enhance its citizens’ well-being beyond just economic indicators.
LSI Denny JA stated, “Indonesia’s SPI score has risen from 61.65 in 2014 to 67.22 in 2023, with an improved ranking from 92nd to 80th, indicating a better standard of living despite ongoing challenges.”
The report attributed the improvements in social welfare to three main factors:
- Access to Education: Programs like the Kartu Indonesia Pintar (Smart Indonesia Card) have increased educational participation, especially among low-income families.
- Healthcare Services: The National Health Insurance program (JKN) has expanded healthcare access, particularly for marginalized communities, leading to overall improvements in public health.
- Social Infrastructure: Investments in infrastructure such as roads and public facilities have improved access to essential services, enhancing the quality of life.
LSI Denny JA highlighted 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 holistic view of a country’s well-being beyond GDP.
- Impact of Government Policies: The SPI demonstrates how policies such as healthcare expansion and education improvement directly impact people’s quality of life.
- Global Comparison: SPI allows for comparisons among nations, showing Indonesia’s progress towards aligning with more developed countries in terms of social welfare.
The report also acknowledged Jokowi’s efforts in healthcare, education, and social protection programs like the Program Keluarga Harapan (Family Hope Program), which provides assistance to impoverished families for basic needs.
In conclusion, LSI Denny JA recognized Jokowi’s success in improving basic needs, expanding access to education and healthcare, and creating economic opportunities.
The report concluded, “Based on the SPI, Jokowi’s 10-year tenure can be seen as successful, but further efforts are needed to achieve full equality and social justice across all regions of Indonesia.” (RR)
