$1 in Indonesia: Can You Survive on a Dollar a Day?
The Reality of Poverty in Indonesia
Poverty is a harsh reality in Indonesia, with millions of people struggling to make ends meet. According to the World Bank, in 2020, approximately 9.4% of Indonesia's population, or around 25 million people, lived below the national poverty line. This means they had to survive on less than IDR 425,000 (approximately USD 28) per month.
Can You Survive on $1 a Day in Indonesia?
The question remains, can you survive on just $1 a day in Indonesia? The answer is, it's possible, but it would be an extremely challenging and austere existence.
Here's a rough breakdown of how you could allocate your $1 daily budget in Indonesia:
- Food: You could buy a small portion of rice and vegetables or a traditional Indonesian snack like krupuk (fried fish crackers) for IDR 10,000 to IDR 20,000 (approximately USD 0.70 to USD 1.40).
- Drinks: A glass of water or a cup of coffee would cost around IDR 5,000 (approximately USD 0.35).
- Transportation: A short ride on a local angkot (minivan) or ojek (motorcycle taxi) would cost IDR 5,000 to IDR 10,000 (approximately USD 0.35 to USD 0.70).
However, with $1 a day, you would have to make significant sacrifices, such as:
- Giving up on fruit or meat: Fresh fruits and meat are considered luxury items in Indonesia, and you would have to rely on staple foods like rice, noodles, and vegetables.
- No access to healthcare: A trip to the doctor or hospital would be out of the question, and even over-the-counter medicines would be a luxury you couldn't afford.
- Limited access to education: You would have to forego education or skills training, making it even harder to break the cycle of poverty.
The Indonesian Government's Efforts to Address Poverty
The Indonesian government has implemented various programs to combat poverty, such as:
- Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH): A conditional cash transfer program that provides financial assistance to poor families, conditional on their participation in health and education programs.
- Raskin: A subsidized rice program that aims to provide affordable rice to low-income families.
While these initiatives are steps in the right direction, more needs to be done to address the root causes of poverty and ensure sustainable economic growth.
Conclusion
Surviving on $1 a day in Indonesia is possible, but it would be a daily struggle. The Indonesian government, NGOs, and individuals must work together to address the root causes of poverty and create opportunities for economic empowerment. Only then can we hope to create a more equitable society where no one has to live on less than $1 a day.
