WEST BANDUNG – Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT) Yandri Susanto set ambitious targets for comprehensive rural progress across multiple sectors ahead of the 2027 National Village Day (Hari Desa Nasional). Key objectives include driving an economic resurgence to enhance community welfare and strengthening social cohesion among rural residents.

"God willing, this initiative will foster a spirit of unity and solidarity across villages, deepen community bonds, revive local MSMEs, and invigorate rural economic activity," Minister Yandri stated during the Launch of National Village Day 2027 and the Kick-Off of the 2026–2027 Village League (Liga Desa) at Panglejar Cisomang Barat Field, Cikalong Wetan, West Bandung, on Saturday (October 10, 2026).

The 2027 National Village Day commemoration will feature the Build Villages, Build Indonesia Festival, comprising 14 competitive categories. These include the Village League (Liga Desa), Best Export Village, Best Village-Owned Enterprise (BUM Desa), Best Youth Village Pioneers, Short Film Competition, and Drug-Free Village Awards, among others.

Each competition serves as a platform for rural residents to leverage their unique skills and local assets. The events will span several host provinces, including West Java, East Java, Central Java, and South Sulawesi.

Regarding the Village League, participation is strictly reserved for local village natives to ensure the competition fulfills its primary purpose: serving as a talent-scouting venue to discover young athletes for rural development. This requirement will be rigorously monitored under the direct oversight of Minister Yandri, Deputy Minister Ahmad Riza Patria, and dedicated supervisory teams.

Minister Yandri highlighted that commitment to rural communities must extend beyond rhetoric. He expressed a firm desire to see rural economies expand and livelihoods improve through the optimal utilization of local potential and human capital, ultimately generating local employment opportunities.

"There is no need to feel ashamed of coming from a village. God willing, villages across West Java and all of Indonesia will become primary drivers of the national economy and achieve global recognition," he emphasized.

Integrating the Village League into the National Village Day framework forms part of a broader strategy to develop human capacity. Special Presidential Envoy for Youth Development and Creative Workers, Raffi Ahmad, expressed hope that rural youth would capitalize on this opportunity to advance their communities.

"Hopefully, through the Village League, many of these young individuals will emerge as national athletes," stated Raffi Ahmad, who contributed an additional IDR 150 million in prize money for the 2026–2027 tournament champions.

Dignitaries attending the event included Governor of West Java Dedi Mulyadi, Regent of West Bandung Ritchie Ismail, Regent of Serang Ratu Rachmatuzakiyah, and Regent of Mojokerto Muhammad Al Barra. Member of Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Verrell Bramasta was also present.

Photo: Wening/Kemendes PDT 
Text: Ria/Kemendes PDT