This study aims to describe various factors that cause poverty in Dumai City. This study also aims to analyse the role of the Dumai City Government in its efforts to reduce poverty at the research site. The research method used is a qualitative method. Data collection techniques are carried out through interviews, observation and document review. The results of the study show that the implementation of the Dumai City Government’s policy program has succeeded in reducing poverty even though it has not yet reached the maximum level. Data analysis shows that religious factors involving elements of sin and reward need to be taken into account in managing the Dumai City Government program to display the characteristics of the public interest rather than personal interests. The implementation of the Dumai City Government policy has more or less succeeded in improving the service system to the community and improving the living standards of local people as measured by internal factors which include mental improvement of the poor, education and health, as well as external factors that include politics, social culture and economics.

Keywords : Poverty, Role of the Dumai City Government.