WARDS

Poverty is a social problem that has never been discussed. Both in terms of the poverty rate, the impact it causes, the factors that cause it, to the alternatives to overcome it. The phenomenon of poverty is related to various dimensions of life, so that the problem of poverty becomes very complex. The problem of poverty requires multisectoral handling, it cannot be resolved only from one sector but requires a collaborative approach from various sectors in government as well as with the private sector and the community. Because poverty does not only concern the economic, education, health, infrastructure, but also social, cultural and even political issues. So that a multidimensional policy is needed with a coping strategy that involves many parties in an integrated manner. In fact, the government has made various efforts to reduce poverty, both at the national level and for districts and cities. Some of these efforts include opening job opportunities, providing direct assistance in the form of materials to the poor, as well as community empowerment as a preventive measure taken in order to develop community competencies and skills. Therefore, poverty reduction remains a focus in development and is a shared responsibility, not only the central government and local governments, but contributions and collaboration from various parties are needed. In the direction of a new life order, poverty reduction becomes a crucial topic to be addressed. The National Seminar on "Community Empowerment and Poverty Reduction Strategies" is a momentum to bring together various critical views and thoughts from various fields of science related to strategies that can be carried out in reducing poverty. It is hoped that this national seminar will produce an appropriate strategy in accelerating poverty reduction in Indonesia in general and in Bali in particular.