The Indonesian government has set an ambitious poverty reduction target of 6.5-7.5 percent by 2024. Achieving this goal requires active participation from local governments (pemda) in developing Regional Poverty Reduction Plan (RPKD). We are backing this effort by helping local governments better analyze poverty-fighting policies through online training. We started this training last year, and we will be hosting another session this May. Furthermore, we extend technical support to several regional governments in drafting their RPKD, including the City of Bogor. Learn more about our study in the April issue of Nawala SMERU.

This issue also highlights two publications by SMERU researchers: one exploring the challenges of digital media in Indonesia, and another estimating the impact of direct elections on public trust. In the From the Past section, we revisit a SMERU working paper from 2009 that analyzes the correlation between rural-to-urban migration and the improved socioeconomic and health status of rural-urban migrants following the 1998 reforms.

For those who want to master the art of creating effective policy briefs, don't miss the opportunity to attend the How to Create Effective Policy Briefs Training for Batch 3, held by SMERU Learning Centre on 15–16 May. There is also a How to Analyze Poverty Reduction Policies on 29–30 May. Limited seats available, so register now!

Thank you for your ongoing support