Jakarta, May 30 -- The Indonesian government has begun shifting its poverty alleviation strategy from social assistance to socioeconomic development and community empowerment by leveraging local potential.

This shift was conveyed by Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf during a meeting with 294 social volunteers in Lumajang District, East Java, according to a statement issued on Friday.

"Social assistance is temporary, but empowerment is a long-term solution," he said. "Therefore, current social policies aim to reduce dependence and strengthen self-reliance."

Yusuf said this new paradigm is the basis for the formation of the Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment, established by President Prabowo Subianto. The ministry a...