Dampak Kebijakan Ekonomi Orde Baru terhadap Ketimpangan Sosial di Indonesia

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The era of the New Order in Indonesia, spanning from 1966 to 1998, witnessed a period of significant economic growth and development. However, this economic prosperity was not evenly distributed, leading to a widening gap between the rich and the poor. This article delves into the impact of New Order economic policies on social inequality in Indonesia, examining the factors that contributed to this disparity and its lasting consequences. #### The Rise of Economic Growth and Inequality The New Order government implemented a series of economic policies aimed at stimulating growth and development. These policies included promoting foreign investment, encouraging export-oriented industries, and prioritizing infrastructure development. While these measures led to impressive economic growth, they also contributed to a widening gap between the wealthy elite and the majority of the population. The focus on export-oriented industries, for instance, benefited large corporations and urban centers, while rural areas and small-scale businesses struggled to keep pace. This uneven distribution of economic benefits exacerbated existing social inequalities. #### The Role of Privatization and Deregulation Another key aspect of New Order economic policy was the privatization of state-owned enterprises and deregulation of the market. While these measures aimed to increase efficiency and attract foreign investment, they also led to a concentration of wealth in the hands of a select few. The privatization of key industries, such as banking and telecommunications, resulted in the emergence of powerful conglomerates that dominated the market. This concentration of economic power further fueled social inequality, as the benefits of privatization were not shared equally among the population. #### The Impact on Rural Communities The New Order's economic policies had a particularly detrimental impact on rural communities. The focus on export-oriented industries led to a decline in the agricultural sector, as farmers struggled to compete with subsidized imports. This resulted in widespread rural poverty and migration to urban areas, where many found themselves trapped in low-paying jobs and informal settlements. The lack of investment in rural infrastructure and social services further exacerbated the plight of rural communities, contributing to a widening gap between urban and rural areas. #### The Legacy of Inequality The legacy of New Order economic policies continues to shape Indonesia's social landscape today. The widening gap between the rich and the poor has led to social unrest, political instability, and a lack of social mobility. The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few has also created a system where access to education, healthcare, and other essential services is often determined by one's socioeconomic status. Addressing the deep-rooted inequalities that emerged during the New Order remains a significant challenge for contemporary Indonesia. The New Order's economic policies, while achieving impressive growth, also contributed to a widening gap between the rich and the poor in Indonesia. The focus on export-oriented industries, privatization, and deregulation, while intended to stimulate economic growth, led to a concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a select few. This uneven distribution of economic benefits had a particularly detrimental impact on rural communities, exacerbating existing social inequalities. The legacy of these policies continues to shape Indonesia's social landscape today, highlighting the need for policies that promote inclusive growth and address the deep-rooted inequalities that emerged during the New Order.