Indonesia seeks to learn from China's poverty alleviation programs

hartono · May 28, 2026

Indonesia seeks to learn from China's poverty alleviation programs

Deputy Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Ahmad Riza Patria (front, right) speaks at a Global Partnership for Poverty Alleviation and Development (GPPAD) meeting in Beijing on May 27, 2026. (ANTARA/Desca Lidya Natalia)

Beijing (ANTARA) - Indonesia wants to learn from China's poverty alleviation programs to improve its own efforts to reduce poverty, a deputy minister said.

Deputy Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Minister Ahmad Riza Patria said on Wednesday that China's experience has made significant contributions that other countries can learn from.

"Indonesia will continue striving to catch up and become a developed nation," he said on the sidelines of a Global Partnership for Poverty Alleviation and Development (GPPAD) meeting in Beijing.

Indonesia serves as deputy chair of the GPPAD alongside Ivory Coast, Brazil, Pakistan, South Africa, and Uzbekistan, while China chairs the forum as its initiator.

Patria said Indonesia hopes to learn not only from China's programs but also from its management systems, problem-solving methods, and policy implementation.

"Indonesia is a large country, and although poverty has declined, the rate remains above 10 percent. We must move quickly to address poverty because it is a complex issue," he said.

He added that President Prabowo Subianto has introduced the free nutritious meals program and several village-focused programs, including fishing villages, village cooperatives, and village-owned enterprises.

Patria also highlighted policies aimed at increasing farmers' rice and corn prices, lowering fertilizer prices, and expanding free health check-ups to support rural welfare.

According to him, those programs are expected to stimulate rural economies, increase productivity, and improve the welfare of village communities.

Patria said Indonesia and China have maintained cooperation on rural development programs, including exchanges of village leaders and sharing of best practices.

"Every year we send village leaders to China. Last year there were 25 participants, and this year 27. China has also visited Indonesia for discussions, evaluations, and knowledge-sharing sessions," he said.

He reiterated Indonesia's ambition to learn from China's progress in poverty alleviation and rural development.

Official data show China lifted around 800 million people out of poverty between 1970 and 2021 and achieved the United Nations 2030 poverty reduction target a decade ahead of schedule.