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In the fight against poverty, the yardstick used to measure progress has long been statistics.

Every government around the world, including Indonesia, as well as multilateral organizations such as the World Bank, gauges progress based on one key figure — how many people live on $1 a day or less.

Such measurements, however, do not reflect the sheer human tragedy that poverty creates in many societies. H.S. Dillon, the newly appointed point man in Indonesia’s fight against poverty, said, “Poverty is helplessness, a state when you start to question your humanity.”

He estimates that half of Indonesia’s 230 million people are under tremendous economic pressure, although official poverty figures are much lower, at about 10 percent of the population.“It’s not just a numbers game but a process,” he said.

Dillon’s appointment as the presidential special envoy for poverty alleviation is a double first. He is the first Indonesian of Indian descent to be appointed to a cabinet-level post, and this is the first time President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has appointed one person dedicated to tackling the issue of poverty.

“Fighting poverty is as historic as fighting slavery and colonialism in terms of urgency,” says Marzuki Darusman, a former Attorney General. “There is a great sense of urgency among civil society and the business community to tackle this issue.”

Observers note that Dillon’s appointment also indicates that Yudhoyono is now serious about taking a more focused approach in the fight against poverty, rather than just leaving it to individual ministries. “This is an important step in the right direction as the problem needs a coordinated approach,” Marzuki said.

Dillon said the fight against poverty is essentially a fight against inequality. Poverty often leads to social tension and unrest, which in turn causes political instability.

“If the government fails to deliver on prosperity, the people fear that the military will take over,” he said.

“The government is spending a lot of money but getting few results because reducing poverty will take a combination of efforts beyond just the government.”

Dillon’s first step will be to bring together business, civil society and the government in fighting poverty.

He has already roped in the likes of Wardah Hafidz from the Urban Poor Consortium, sociologist Gardono Sujatmiko and private equity heavyweight Edwin Soeryadjaja in his crusade.

“My aim is to change perceptions so that poverty is not seen as a result of sloth and laziness but because of the inequality of the system,” Dillon said. “We must focus on education, especially in rural areas.”

He also wants to ensure that every bill passed by the House of Representatives is linked in some way to people-driven development and ultimately helps the poor.

“That is the paradigm I want to create — to build a ladder out of poverty,” he says.

“I’m not afraid to stand up and shout if that’s what is required. I have nothing to lose and I’m not a threat to anyone.”

Dillon says it is in the interest of the business community to help reduce poverty because it helps create a bigger market and economic stability.