Determinants of Poverty in Indonesia from a Sustainable Development Goals Perspective

Abstract

This study explores the determinants of poverty in Indonesia using a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) framework. Employing qualitative analysis of policy documents, academic literature, and national statistics, it investigates how education, informal labor, and gender inequality intersect to sustain multidimensional poverty. The findings indicate that low educational attainment, informal employment dominance, and gender-based exclusion are critical factors influencing poverty, particularly in underdeveloped regions. Drawing from human capital theory, social exclusion, and the capabilities approach, the study highlights structural and institutional barriers to poverty alleviation. It also underscores regional and gender disparities that hinder progress toward SDG targets. By integrating these theoretical perspectives, the research contributes a holistic understanding of poverty dynamics in Indonesia. Practical implications call for inclusive education reform, formal labor expansion, and gender-equity legislation. The study offers strategic insights for policymakers and development agencies aiming to reduce poverty through coordinated, SDG-aligned interventions across sectors and regions.