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Musi Rawas Utara Regency is categorized as an underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) region that still faces serious challenges in human development, particularly within the education dimension. Although the Human Development Index (HDI) indicates an upward trend, the School Enrollment Rate (SER) and the mean years of schooling at the secondary education level remain relatively low and lag behind other regions. This condition is influenced by limited access to secondary education, household economic vulnerability, and disparities in the quality and distribution of educators in remote areas. This policy paper aims to analyze secondary education issues as a primary obstacle to increasing the HDI of Musi Rawas Utara Regency and to formulate effective and sustainable policy alternatives. The method used is a qualitative descriptive analysis through a literature study, utilizing data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), regional planning documents, as well as relevant national regulations and policies. The analysis was conducted using a SWOT approach to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the regional education policy. The results of the study show that improving the HDI requires integrated, affirmative, and region-based education policies. Three main policy alternatives recommended include expanding and equalizing access to secondary education, strengthening educational assistance and social protection for vulnerable families, and sustainably distributing and improving teacher quality. The implementation of these policies is expected to increase the SER, extend the mean years of schooling, and strengthen the quality of human resources as a foundation for sustainable development in Musi Rawas Utara Regency.

One key measure of a region's economic growth is the employment rate, as it reflects the ability of the economy to absorb labor and improve community welfare. In Jambi Province, employment opportunities are influenced by several factors, including Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), population growth, and the Human Development Index (HDI). This study aims to analyze the effects of GRDP, population growth, and HDI on employment growth rates across regencies and cities in Jambi Province. The research employs a quantitative approach using panel data regression analysis covering 11 regencies and cities during the period 2017–2023. The findings indicate that GRDP growth, population growth, and HDI simultaneously influence employment levels. Partially, population growth and HDI have significant effects on employment, indicating that improvements in human development and demographic dynamics contribute to labor absorption. Meanwhile, economic growth, as measured by GRDP, has a relatively small negative effect on employment. This suggests that economic expansion does not always generate proportional employment opportunities, possibly due to structural changes and technological developments. Therefore, policies aimed at improving human capital and labor market conditions are essential to support sustainable employment growth in Jambi Province.

This study examines the relationship between the Human Development Index (HDI) and population size with economic growth in North Sumatra Province during 2010-2025 using multiple linear regression based on secondary data. The results indicate that both variables are jointly associated within the model, although they show different directions when observed individually. Population size tends to move in line with economic growth, while HDI shows an opposite tendency. These findings suggest that improvements in human capital have not yet been fully reflected in productive economic activities in the region.

This study analyzes the influence of good governance on urban development performance in Surabaya during 2019-2023 using a quantitative descriptive approach and secondary data from BPS and local government. Good governance is measured by SPBE, while development performance is measured by HDI, economic growth, and poverty. The results show improved governance with a satisfactory SPBE index and positive development trends, including increasing HDI, economic recovery after 2020, and declining poverty after the pandemic. The findings indicate that good governance positively affects development performance by improving policy effectiveness, public services, and supporting economic and social recovery.

This study aims to analyze how human development governance is implemented by the Government of South Sulawesi Province in reducing regional disparities, identify institutional factors influencing implementation quality, and examine its implications for human development outcomes. The study employs a qualitative approach using a case study design. Data were collected through interviews with key informants from the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) and relevant Regional Apparatus Organizations, analysis of regional planning documents such as RPJMD and RKPD, and statistical data from the Central Bureau of Statistics related to the Human Development Index (HDI), poverty, and employment. Data were analyzed thematically using triangulation to ensure validity of findings. The results show that the Human Development Index has been positioned as a key performance indicator in regional development planning documents and prioritized in education and health sector policies. Although overall HDI achievement in South Sulawesi is categorized as high, significant disparities remain across regencies and municipalities, particularly in education and standard of living. A poverty rate of 8.06 percent and the increasing trend of the Gini Ratio indicate that distribution of welfare has not been fully equitable. Furthermore, the dominance of the informal sector in the employment structure reflects challenges related to job quality, income stability, and limited social protection coverage. These findings suggest that the main challenge of human development in South Sulawesi lies not only in improving aggregate indicators but also in strengthening bureaucratic capacity, cross-sectoral coordination, and policy implementation consistency to ensure more inclusive and equitable development across regions.

The purpose of this study was to determine and analyze the effect of wage levels, economic growth, and the Human Development Index (HDI) on income inequality through labor absorption in the Districts/Cities of Jambi Province from 2020-2024. The research method used is a quantitative descriptive analysis using panel data regression with the Fixed Effect Model approach.  The analysis method used Eviews 12. The results showed of that partially, income inequality in the Districts/Cities of Jambi Province is significant positive influenced by the wage level variable, while economic growth does not have a significant effect on income inequality. In addition, the Human Development Index (HDI) has a significant negative effect on income inequality. This implies that wage increases are actually followed by in income inequality. Meanwhile, economic growth has not been able to provide a broad income redistribution effect. Conversely, improving the quality of human development proves to be the most effective factor, as it is capable of significant reducing inequalirt levels. Simultaneously, the results show that the variables of wage levels, economic growth, and the Human Development Index (HDI) collectively have a significant influence on income inequality in Districts/Cities of Jambi Province.

This research aims to: 1) examine the development of the Human Development Index (HDI), Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR), population size, economic growth, and the poverty gap index in the regencies/cities of Jambi Province from 2020 to 2024; and 2) analyze the influence of the Human Development Index, Labor Force Participation Rate, population size, and economic growth on the poverty gap index in the regencies/cities of Jambi Province. The research method employed is descriptive quantitative. The analytical tool used is Panel Data Regression through the Fixed Effect Model (FEM) approach, processed with EViews 12 software. The results show that the Human Development Index, population size, and economic growth have a significant influence on the poverty gap index in the regencies/cities of Jambi Province during the 2020-2024 period. Conversely, the LFPR does not have a significant effect on the poverty gap index in the region during the same period. These findings imply the importance of strengthening human resource quality through HDI improvement and more inclusive economic growth policies in Jambi Province. Furthermore, the government needs to evaluate the quality of available employment, as the high Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) has not yet been able to significantly reduce the depth of poverty.

This study examines the impact of human resource quality, as measured by indicators from the Human Development Index (HDI), on economic growth in Denpasar City, Bali. This study utilizes quantitative secondary data collected from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) for the period 2013 to 2021. This data includes a new method for calculating average years of schooling, life expectancy at birth, per capita expenditure, and economic growth. This study uses panel data regression from five provinces in Denpasar City, Bali, applying classical assumption tests, hypothesis tests, and coefficients of determination. Individually, education level has a significant and negative effect on economic growth in Denpasar City, Bali. Health does not show a significant and negative effect on economic growth in Denpasar City, Bali. While economics has a significant and positive effect on economic growth in Denpasar City, Bali. All three independent variables simultaneously have a significant impact on economic growth in Denpasar City, Bali. The most influential variable is economics.

Unemployment is a socio-economic problem that can threaten the stability of the Indonesian economy. This study analyzes the effect of minimum wages, exports, foreign investment, and the human development index (HDI) on the unemployment raefrom 1990 to 2023. Using the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) multiple linear regression estimation method, to correct bias in the estimation, the Newey-West HAC standard errors approach is used. Minimum wages and foreign investment have a significant negative effect on the open unemployment rate, confirming that wage increases can boost productivity, foreign investment creates direct jobs through the construction of production facilities and economic multiplier effects in supporting sectors. The most surprising finding of the HDI which has a positive effect and exports which are proven to be insignificant on the unemployment rate, this shows that human capital formation is not in line with existing job opportunities due to rapid technological changes, as well as export-increasing policies which focus more on capital intensity. The study provides important implications for policymakers, maintaining and optimizing minimum wage increases and foreign investment in a measurable manner because they have proven effective in reducing unemployment rates. Reorienting export strategies policy from capital-intensive to labor-intensive, increasing the human development index adjusted to technological developments, especially in the business and industrial world.

Education functions as a central pillar in shaping the quality of human capital, encompassing knowledge, skills, and health, and thus plays a significant role in influencing Indonesia’s Human Development Index (HDI). This study employs a qualitative literature review by examining key theoretical frameworks in the economics of education, such as Becker’s Human Capital Theory and Schultz’s investment model, supported by relevant national empirical data. The findings indicate a very strong relationship between education and HDI improvement. This is reflected in a correlation coefficient of 0.943 between education expenditure and Indonesia’s HDI during the 2004–2023 period. The results suggest that an increase in education spending of IDR 1 trillion has the potential to raise the HDI by approximately 0.002 points. These findings confirm that investment in education not only enhances the quality of human resources but also directly contributes to sustainable national development. Despite the positive trend and the achievement of an HDI score of 75.02 in 2024, several challenges persist, particularly regional disparities, unequal access to education, and quality gaps between urban and rural areas. Therefore, more inclusive education policies, equitable access, and strengthened vocational education and training are essential to ensure that the benefits of human capital development are distributed evenly across all regions of Indonesia.

This study focuses on analyzing the welfare index in the ASEAN region (covering six major countries) by comparing two perspectives: objective welfare (Human Development Index/HDI) and subjective welfare (World Happiness Index). Using a balanced panel dataset from 2015–2023, the research applies different econometric approaches for each model, namely the Random Effect Model (REM) for HDI analysis and the Common Effect Model (CEM) for happiness analysis. Empirical findings indicate a striking welfare paradox across the six sample countries. In the objective dimension (HDI), economic stability (GDP) and governance free from corruption (CPI) are proven to be the main positive and significant drivers, while government expenditure (GovExp) shows no meaningful impact, suggesting budget inefficiency. Conversely, in the subjective welfare model, the Easterlin Paradox emerges, as GDP and the corruption index have no significant effect on the happiness index. The happiness levels in these six countries tend to be more influenced by government expenditure. This study concludes that strong economic fundamentals and clean governance free from corruption are essential to building a high quality of human life, whereas citizens’ life satisfaction is more determined by the direct presence of the state through public spending.

This study aims to analyze the effect of welfare inequality on poverty levels on the island of Sumatra. Welfare inequality is measured using the Gini Index, while poverty levels are measured by the percentage of the poor population at the provincial level. This study uses a quantitative method with a panel data approach covering ten provinces on the island of Sumatra during the period 2020–2024. The analytical techniques used include panel data regression with fixed and random effects models, as well as classical assumption testing to ensure model validity. The results show that welfare inequality has a positive and significant effect on poverty levels, meaning that increasing inequality in income distribution tends to increase the number of poor people. This finding indicates that uneven economic growth can worsen the welfare of the community, especially low-income groups. Therefore, more inclusive and sustainable development policies are needed, particularly in increasing equitable access to education, health services, and productive employment opportunities to reduce inequality and poverty levels on the island of Sumatra.

The economy of West Sumatra Province has shown a significant decline in recent years, with the lowest growth rate on the entire island of Sumatra. This study aims to examine the influence of capital expenditure, unemployment, and the Human Development Index on economic growth in this region between 2014 and 2024. Using multiple linear regression and data sourced from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) and the Directorate General of Fiscal Balance, the analysis shows that capital expenditure and unemployment have a significant negative impact on economic growth, while the Human Development Index (HDI) has no significant impact. Although capital expenditure varies, the decline in unemployment indicates a change in labor market conditions. This information indicates that government efforts to increase spending on infrastructure and public services are still ineffective in driving growth. Therefore, it is recommended that the government prioritize budget allocations in productive sectors such as infrastructure, tourism, and MSME development to help small businesses grow and advance through training, capital support, and technology implementation to ensure competitiveness and sustainability. Therefore, this study is expected to provide deeper insight into the elements that influence economic growth in West Sumatra and serve as a guide for further, more comprehensive research.  

Poverty is a complex and multidimensional problem. It can be characterized as a condition in which there is a lack of aspects related to the quality of life. North Sumatra Province is known as one of the richest provinces in Indonesia with abundant natural resources and agricultural products such as petroleum, natural gas, palm oil, rubber, and forest products used as industrial materials. However, it still ranks among the provinces with the highest poverty rates in Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the effect of unemployment rate, economic growth, and Human Development Index (HDI) on poverty in 14 districts/cities of North Sumatra Province during the 2016–2023 period. The analytical method used is panel data regression with the Fixed Effect Model (FEM) approach. The results of this study indicate that simultaneously, the three independent variables have a significant effect on poverty. Partially, unemployment has a positive and significant effect, while economic growth and HDI have no significant effect on poverty.

The Human Development Index (HDI) functions as a key indicator for assessing the level of welfare and overall quality of life of the population within a specific region. This study aims to examine the socio-economic factors influencing HDI at the provincial level in Indonesia using a Gaussian kernel regression approach. A nonparametric method is employed due to its flexibility in capturing nonlinear relationships between the response and predictor variables without the need to assume a specific functional form. The analysis utilizes secondary data, including education, poverty, per capita expenditure, expected years of schooling, open unemployment rate, and gross regional domestic product for each Indonesian province. The findings from this study indicate that educational factors, particularly mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling, exert the most significant impact on HDI improvement. The estimated Gaussian kernel regression model demonstrates a coefficient of determination of 0.9954 and a residual standard error of 0.3468, reflecting a very high predictive accuracy and relatively low error. These results suggest that Gaussian kernel regression is an effective nonparametric approach for analyzing human development in Indonesia.

This study investigates the impact of population growth and the Human Development Index (HDI) on economic growth and unemployment in East Kalimantan Province using path analysis with secondary data from 2014–2023. Population growth and human development are two critical demographic and socio-economic factors that often generate complex effects on regional economic performance. The results indicate that population growth has a negative and significant effect on economic growth, highlighting the pressure that rapid demographic expansion places on natural resources, infrastructure, and employment absorption capacity. Conversely, HDI demonstrates a positive and significant relationship with economic growth, suggesting that improvements in education, health, and income contribute to higher productivity and competitiveness. On the other hand, the direct effect of population growth and HDI on unemployment is negative but statistically insignificant, which implies that the availability of jobs and structural conditions of the labor market are more influential than demographic changes alone. Interestingly, economic growth shows a negative and significant effect on unemployment, supporting the classical theory that sustained economic expansion generates employment opportunities and reduces joblessness. Mediation tests reveal that economic growth does not significantly mediate the relationship between population growth or HDI and unemployment, underscoring that unemployment dynamics in East Kalimantan are influenced by broader structural factors such as sectoral concentration, policy effectiveness, and industrial diversification. These findings highlight the importance of integrating demographic management, human capital development, and sectoral economic strategies in policy formulation. Strengthening human development while controlling excessive population growth can provide a solid foundation for inclusive and sustainable economic progress in East Kalimantan.

Poverty, according to the World Bank (2000), is defined as "poverty is pronounced deprivation in well-being," meaning that poverty is the loss of well-being. This study aims to analyze the impact of income distribution inequality and the Human Development Index (HDI) on poverty in Indonesia. The research utilizes data sourced from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) report. The study focuses on 34 provinces in Indonesia between 2022 and 2024, examining income inequality and human development quality. The data analysis method used is panel data regression, which allows for analyzing the effects of these variables simultaneously. The findings of this study are: (1) income distribution inequality has a significant impact on poverty levels, indicating that the higher the income inequality, the higher the poverty rate in Indonesia; and (2) the Human Development Index (HDI) also affects poverty levels. The higher the HDI, the lower the poverty rate, suggesting that improvements in education, health, and well-being can reduce poverty. These findings emphasize the importance of reducing income inequality and improving human development quality as effective strategies to decrease poverty in Indonesia. Policies focused on equitable development and improving the quality of life for communities are essential for achieving more widespread well-being across all provinces.

This research investigates the relationship between fiscal decentralization, economic growth, and income inequality (measured by the Gini ratio) on the Human Development Index (HDI) in regencies and cities within Bali Province during the 2013–2023 period. Human development is a crucial indicator of regional welfare, and understanding the factors that shape HDI is essential for designing effective regional development policies. A quantitative approach was employed through panel data regression, utilizing secondary data sourced from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS). The findings indicate that fiscal decentralization has a positive and significant effect on HDI, suggesting that greater regional fiscal authority can improve public service delivery and social welfare. Conversely, economic growth demonstrates a significant negative relationship with HDI, which implies that growth alone does not automatically translate into improved human development, particularly when it is unevenly distributed. In addition, income inequality shows a negative and significant effect on HDI, confirming that disparities in income hinder broader improvements in welfare. Collectively, these variables significantly explain variations in HDI across regencies and cities in Bali. The policy implications emphasize the need to strengthen regional fiscal capacity, reduce income inequality, and encourage inclusive economic growth to ensure that economic progress contributes effectively to enhancing human development.

This study investigates the relationship between fiscal dependence, the effectiveness of locally generated revenue (PAD), and the degree of fiscal decentralization on the Human Development Index (HDI) in four regencies on Madura Island Bangkalan, Sampang, Pamekasan, and Sumenep which have consistently reported the lowest HDI scores in East Java Province. Utilizing panel data from 2011 to 2023, the findings indicate that all regencies remain highly fiscally dependent, with fiscal dependency ratios exceeding 89%. Central government transfers dominate local budget structures, significantly limiting local fiscal autonomy. While PAD effectiveness shows notable achievements such as Pamekasan’s 136.09% realization rate its contribution to total regional revenue remains relatively low. This is reflected in the modest degree of fiscal decentralization, which ranges between 8.56% and 10.72%. Such fiscal limitations hinder the ability of local governments to invest in strategic sectors that directly impact human development, including education, healthcare, and public services. The analysis also reveals that despite effective PAD realization, its nominal value is insufficient to drive substantial improvements in HDI, especially when not supported by strengthened fiscal capacity and local economic mobilization. These findings suggest that PAD effectiveness alone does not translate into better human development outcomes without broader fiscal empowerment. Therefore, a comprehensive fiscal decentralization strategy is required one that not only enhances revenue generation but also improves budgetary governance and optimizes local economic resources. Strengthening local fiscal autonomy is essential for ensuring targeted, efficient, and equitable investment in human development sectors, ultimately fostering sustainable regional development across Madura Island.

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a crucial indicator for measuring the success of human development, encompassing the dimensions of education, health, and a decent standard of living. In Bali Province, disparities in the HDI among regencies/municipalities still exist, which may hinder the overall regional economic development. This study aims to analyze the influence of Domestic Investment, Foreign Investment, and Labor both simultaneously and partially on the Human Development Index during the 2016–2023 period. The data used are secondary data obtained from the Central Statistics Agency, comprising 72 observations. The data collection method employed is the observation method, and the analysis technique used is panel data regression. The results show that (1) Domestic Investment, Foreign Investment, and Labor simultaneously have a significant effect on the Human Development Index of Bali Province, and (2) Domestic Investment partially has no significant effect on the Human Development Index of Bali Province, while Foreign Investment and Labor partially have a positive and significant effect on the Human Development Index of Bali Province.