Oleh: Ivani Rara Nirwasita Hasan

Does our country really ensure fairness for all groups in society? In Indonesia, inequality remains a significant challenge even with economic and social development. Fairness is about whether people have equal opportunities to access quality education, health care, good jobs, and safety networks. Unfortunately, many groups such as women, indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, and those living in rural areas still face systemic disadvantages

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), the Gini ratio, a measure of income inequality, stood at 0.388 at the start of 2024, indicating moderate but persistent income inequality (BPS, 2024). In addition, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) emphasizes that reducing inequality is critical to achieving sustainable and inclusive development in Indonesia. Therefore, building a fairer future is only possible if we take real steps to reduce inequality, such as through equal access to education, fair job opportunities, and strong social protection.

One of the most important ways to reduce inequality is to ensure equal access to quality education. Education opens doors to better job opportunities and helps break the cycle of poverty. However, in Indonesia, not all children have equal opportunities to attend school or receive the same quality of learning. Children in rural areas often lack facilities, good teachers and digital access compared to children in cities. According to UNICEF, around 4.3 million children in Indonesia are out of school due to poverty, disability or living in remote areas (UNICEF, 2023).

By investing in better school infrastructure, teacher training and inclusive programs, governments can help close the education gap. When everyone has access to quality education, it gives all citizens a fairer chance to succeed in life. Another important way to reduce inequality is to provide fair job opportunities and living wages for all workers. Jobs are a key factor affecting people’s ability to live with dignity and security.

However, in Indonesia, job opportunities are not always fair, especially for women, people with disabilities, and workers in the informal sector. Many of them face discrimination, low wages, or unstable working conditions. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), around 59% of workers in Indonesia work in the informal sector, often lacking social protection and legal rights (ILO, 2023). To reduce inequality, the government should support inclusive job policies, provide skills training, and strengthen labor laws that protect vulnerable workers. When everyone has a fair chance to work and get a good living, it will help create a more fair and equal society.

In addition to education and jobs, social protection is also important to reduce inequality. Vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, older people, and those living in poverty need strong support systems to help them survive and live with dignity. Without social protection, many people will be left behind and struggle to meet basic needs such as food, shelter and healthcare. Government programs such as financial assistance, health insurance, and disaster assistance can make a big difference in people’s lives. When social protection is well targeted and inclusive, it can reduce the impact of poverty and avoid deeper inequality. Helping the most vulnerable is not just a form of charity-it's a responsibility that helps build a more fair and caring society.

The results of this study show that reducing inequality is very important for building a fairer future for everyone in Indonesia. Equal access to quality education, fair job opportunities with good wages, and strengthened social protection for vulnerable groups are key ways to achieve this goal. When government and society work together to realize these goals, it will help create a more fair and inclusive country. Only by addressing these inequalities, we can ensure that all citizens have the opportunity to live with dignity and reach their full potential.

Referensi

• Badan Pusat Statistik. (2024). Gini Ratio Indonesia Januari 2024. https://www.bps.go.id
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2023). Human Development Report: Reducing Inequalities in Indonesia. https://www.undp.org/indonesia/publications
• UNICEF Indonesia. (2023). Education and Adolescents. https://www.unicef.org/indonesia/education-and-adolescents
• International Labour Organization (ILO). (2023). Decent Work Country Programme for
  Indonesia 2023–2025. https://www.ilo.org/jakarta/publications/WCMS_874696/lang-

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