Human Development Index (HDI): Planning and Evaluation Tools for Government Policy

First Monday of this month, 7^th September 2015, BPS had a guest Chief of Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) all over Indonesia. Their visit certainly have a special agenda that was to attend New Method of Human Development Index (HDI) Socialization. That event was opened by Chief of BPS, Suryamin.

Explained by Suryamin, this event was collaboration of Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) in order to strengthen the acceleration of MDGs’ implementation (now SDGs, Sustainable Development Goals) in Indonesia. Besides Chiefs of Bappeda, all Chiefs of BPS Province, UNDP representatives, and invitees from ministry/institution and academicians were also attended this event.

Deputy Human Resources and Culture, Nina Sardjunani and Deputy Education and Religion Coordination of Coordinator Ministry of Human Development and Culture, HR. Agus Sartono and Deputy Country Director United Nations Development Programme, Mr. Stephen Rodrigues were present to express their support and appreciation to BPS.

Suryamin affirmed, provision of HDI data was intended as planning and evaluation tools for government policy. One example of the use of IPM was as a basis in fund allocation for region that was General Allocation Fund (DAU). In this event, Chiefs of BPS Province and Chiefs of Bappeda sat together to listen review of New Method HDI that delivered by Deputy Balance and Statistical Analysis, Suhariyanto. Data HDI often became hot topic either at regional, national and macro assumption discussion in the Parliament (DPR-RI). HDI Indices describes the success of government development target. Special for guest from Bappeda and Chiefs of BPS Province were provided panel discussion class until afternoon in the same day.

Nina Sardjunani affirmed, the new thing in HDI was the calculation method. The purpose of HDI was still the same, which is as a tool or value that represent (proxy) human development measurement. Human construction implies improving their health status, improving education, decrease gap, providing jobs, building social capital, etc. Data HDI can use as an advocacy tool for politic policy, can be compared between regions and between periods.

Changes in HDI calculation method done with some consideration. Several indicators such as Literacy Rate (AMH) was not relevant to measure whole educational level because it cannot describe quality of our education. Literacy rate in most areas have been high, so it cannot distinguish educational level among the regions well. From time to time, BPS always improve methodologies, in order to get a more valid and reliable measurement.

This New Method of HDI event as one of National Statistics Day (HSN) celebration, which is 26 September. Suryamin explained that HSN was not just belong to BPS. All citizen should be aware of statistics. BPS will attempt to improve quality of data to reflect condition of development achievement, one of it is data HDI.