Enhancing Poor Community Welfare Through Evidence-Based Poverty Alleviation Programs in Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Effectively reducing poverty is vital for development, requiring comprehensive and efficient solutions. The government has initiated poverty alleviation initiatives, including the implementation of programs such as Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) and the Family Hope Program (PKH). This program is expected to stimulate community economic activity. This research aims to analyze the relationship between socio-economic resources and the welfare of the poor in Serdang Bedagai Regency through a poverty alleviation program.   Method: The study adopted a causality, relationship, or influence model, examining the proposed hypotheses through the analysis method of SEM. The SEM analysis methods were used to identify the dimensions of a construct and concurrently measure the influence or degree of relationship between factors with identified dimensions.   Results: The result showed that socioeconomic resources had a direct impact on community welfare. Simultaneously, poverty alleviation programs also directly contribute to enhancing the welfare of these communities. Socioeconomic resources do not directly or indirectly influence the effectiveness of poverty alleviation programs. The current poverty alleviation programs alone are insufficient to expedite efforts in uplifting community welfare.   Conclusion: Various aspects of road infrastructure, including road quality, ease of mobility, connectivity, minimal obstacles, security/safety, accessibility, and timeliness, were developed as crucial factors influencing economic players in the tourism sector. Recognizing these facets had substantial policy implications, showing the importance of prioritizing road infrastructure development in the holistic progress of Lake Toba KSPN.