KUNMING, YUNNAN, CHINA (September 10, 2026) – The official benchmarking program for 20 Indonesian village heads in Yunnan Province, China, officially commenced with an exposure visit to Haiyan Village. Recognized as a national model for rural revitalization in China, the village has successfully integrated cultural preservation, environmental protection, and community-based economic development.

The Indonesian delegation, led by the Head of the Development and Information Agency (BPI) of the Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Kemendes PDT), accompanied by the Head of the Public Relations Bureau and a supporting team, joined the 20 village heads to observe best practices in rural development firsthand. The visit aims to gain strategic insights and operational references that can be adapted across Indonesian villages.

The study tour to Haiyan Village serves as a foundational step to broaden the village heads' horizons regarding rural development strategies that optimize local economic potential without compromising local cultural identity.

During the site visit, the village heads engaged in in-depth discussions covering village governance, local economic development, tourism area management, and balanced strategies between economic growth and environmental conservation.

Haiyan Village’s success demonstrates that local rural assets can serve as primary drivers of economic growth when managed through meticulous planning, active community participation, and the strategic leverage of natural and cultural heritage as local competitive advantages.

Through this benchmarking mission, Kemendes PDT aims to replicate and tailor successful practices from Yunnan Province to match the unique characteristics of individual villages in Indonesia. This strategic move is expected to reinforce sustainable rural development, improve community welfare, and foster independent, productive, and globally competitive villages.

Text: Tri/Kemendes PDT

Photo: Taufik/Kemendes PDT