TARGETING THE POOR IN RURAL JAVA

This article examines the regional and household characteristics of po verty in rural Java to assess the efficacy of targeted anti-poverty pr ogrammes. Analysis of household data shows important geographic and sp atial features to rural poverty in Java. However, it also highlights t he limitations of geographic targeting; 43 per cent of remaining por i n rural Java live in non-poor regions. The article suggests that an ef fective anti-poverty strategy for rural Java would focus on continued broad-based growth, judicious use of geographic targeting, and special efforts to enhance the poor's access to productive assets, regardless of where they live.