JAYAPURA - The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Papua Province released that as many as 18 regencies and cities in Papua experienced a decrease in gender inequality in 2022.

According to the Head of BPS Papua, Adriana Carolina Helena, Nduga Regency experienced the highest decrease in gender inequality.

"The decrease in gender inequality in Nduga is mainly due to improvements in the empowerment dimension," Adriana explained to the press in Jayapura on Wednesday.

In general, Adriana said, the decrease in gender inequality in Papua can be seen from the representation of women's legislature in 2022 which increased by 8.00 percent. Meanwhile, the percentage of women aged 25 years and over with high school education and above increased by 2.50 percentage points.

"Actually, during 2018-2022, the achievement of the Gender Inequality Index (IKG) at the district/city level in Papua is getting better. Most districts/cities experience a decrease in gender inequality every year. In 2022, Indonesia's IKG was 0.459, down 0.040 points compared to 2018 which reached 0.499".

"The lowest gender inequality in 2022 was achieved by D.I. Yogyakarta at 0.240. The highest gender inequality is in West Nusa Tenggara province at 0.648. While Papua province with an IKG of 0.515 is in 26th place," she said. ***