UPH’s Policy Engagement in Poverty Alleviation through Slum Prevention and Community Empowerment
TANGERANG, 2023 – Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) contributes to poverty alleviation in Indonesia through active involvement in policy-making, particularly at the regional level. One highlight of such initiative is the Policy for the Prevention of Slum Growth and Development, designed through collaboration between the DKI Jakarta Government and UPH’s Faculty of Design, Faculty of Economics and Business, and Faculty of Psychology. This policy framework addresses both the physical environment and community empowerment, ensuring that poverty reduction strategies go beyond infrastructure to include human and social development.
The policy emphasizes two key pillars of community empowerment:
- Community Psychology Development – fostering psychological and socio-cultural well-being by building autonomy, belongingness, and competence within communities, thereby creating stronger resilience and social cohesion.
- Community Economic Development – strengthening local economies through the formation of Economic Community Groups (ECGs), support for micro and small enterprises (UMKM), financial literacy training, and improved access to government credit schemes such as Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR).
This integrated approach not only improves housing and neighborhood infrastructure but also empowers residents to break cycles of poverty through sustainable livelihoods and stronger community values. By combining physical, social, and economic interventions, the policy aims to address poverty in all its dimensions, ensuring that communities can thrive both materially and socially.