JAKARTA – The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, attended the 27th Anniversary of the Village Consultative Agency (BPD) on Thursday (May 7, 2026).

Minister Yandri called upon the BPD throughout Indonesia to collaborate in the success of President Prabowo Subianto’s 6th Asta Cita (Aspiration): "Building from the Village and from the Bottom-Up for Economic Equality and Poverty Eradication."

"The BPD plays a crucial role in overseeing the village development process," stated the former Vice Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR RI).

Minister Yandri expressed his hope that the Indonesian Village Consultative Body Association (PABPDSI) would continue to excel in nation-building by safeguarding its strategic functions. Given the vast scale of 75,266 villages, he emphasized that development requires cross-sectoral involvement.

As an example, he suggested that PABPDSI partner with the National Narcotics Board (BNN) to combat the rising threat of drugs in rural areas. Furthermore, he reminded the BPD and all stakeholders to synchronize efforts for the government's current flagship programs: the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) initiative and the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (KDMP).

"These priority programs are ultimately designed for the welfare of village residents," Minister Yandri added.

On the same occasion, the Principal Secretary of BNN, Tantan Sulistyana, encouraged the BPD to support the "Desa Bersinar" (Drug-Free Village) program, highlighting its importance in protecting rural communities from narcotics.

Meanwhile, Nurjaeni, Director of Supply and Distribution for Region II of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), outlined five priority roles for the BPD in the success of the MBG program:

- Supervising Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG): Monitoring MBG implementation to ensure services are efficient, hygienic, food-safe, targeted, and accountable.

- Safeguarding the Local Food Supply Chain: Mobilizing farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen, MSMEs, and Merah Putih cooperatives so that the MBG program serves as an economic engine for the village.

- Sustainable Waste and Surplus Management: Encouraging organic waste processing, food residue utilization, and the circular economy to maintain a clean environment.

- Developing Supporting Energy Ecosystems: Promoting renewable energy such as biogas and solar panels for efficient and sustainable SPPG operations.

- Community Education: Raising awareness about the importance of nutritious meals to build superior human resources toward "Golden Indonesia 2045."

The event was also attended by officials from the Attorney General's Office, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Chairman of PABPDSI Fery Radiansyah, representatives of ABPEDNAS, and BPD members.

Accompanying Minister Yandri were the Head of BPSDM Agustomi Masik, Inspector General Masyhudi, and Expert Staff Sugito.

Photo: Didi/Kemendes PDT
Text: Firman/Kemendes PDT