Governor Wayan Koster Reveals Bali with Lowest Stunting and Poverty Rates in Indonesia

The condition of failure to thrive in children under five due to chronic malnutrition or stunting in Indonesia is still quite high
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Governor Wayan Koster of Bali recently shared some remarkable achievements regarding the province’s standing in terms of stunting and poverty rates in Indonesia. According to the data he presented, Bali has achieved a significant milestone with its stunting rate currently standing at an impressively low 8 percent, which is notably lower than the national average of 21.6 percent.

During a speech at the momentous event of launching the Bali Future 100-Year New Era Development Guidelines (Perda) held at the Art Center in Denpasar on Friday (28/7/2023), Governor Koster proudly announced, “The stunting rate of 8 percent is the lowest among the 34 provinces in Indonesia.”

Stunting has been a major concern across Indonesia, and Bali has been actively working towards reducing this issue. Governor Koster has expressed his ambitious goal to further bring down the stunting rate in Bali to an impressively low 1 percent.

In addition to the commendable progress made in tackling stunting, Governor Koster also shed light on the province’s remarkable achievements in poverty alleviation. He revealed that the current poverty rate in Bali stands at a mere 4.53 percent, coupled with an unemployment rate of 4.80 percent.

“The poverty rate is far below the national average of 9.57 percent, making it the lowest among the 34 provinces in Indonesia,” Governor Koster emphatically stated, showcasing the province’s remarkable achievements in this aspect.

He further emphasized that Bali’s income inequality level, as per World Bank criteria, falls under the low category, indicating a relatively balanced distribution of wealth and a smaller gap between the affluent and the underprivileged.

Moreover, the Human Development Index (HDI) in Bali surpasses the national average, reaching an impressive 76.44 percent. “While the national HDI stands at 72.91 percent, we take pride in being ranked fourth among all 34 provinces in Indonesia,” Governor Koster declared, demonstrating the province’s commitment to overall human development.

These achievements exemplify Bali’s relentless dedication to fostering a more inclusive and prosperous society. Governor Koster’s vision for Bali’s future is centered around sustaining these positive trajectories and further enhancing the well-being of its citizens.

As Bali sets its sights on a brighter future, the governor emphasizes the need to continually strive for even greater progress in tackling challenges such as stunting and poverty. With unwavering determination and collaborative efforts between the government and private sectors, Bali aims to maintain its position as a trailblazer in Indonesia’s development landscape.