JAKARTA – The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, has officially designated Mojokerto Regency, East Java, as the host for the grand commemoration of National Village Day in 2027.

He noted that Mojokerto Regency serves as an exemplary showcase of rich cultural heritage and rural tourism potential. Furthermore, the presence of the Trowulan archaeological site—the historic heartland of the Majapahit Kingdom—acts as a catalyst for the emergence of culture-based independent villages.

"I believe Mojokerto Regency is truly worthy of hosting National Village Day 2027. I have requested the Secretary-General of Kemendes PDT to draft the official Ministerial Decree formally designating Mojokerto Regency as the host," Minister Yandri stated while receiving an official audience from the Regent of Mojokerto, Muhammad Albarra, and his delegation at the Kemendes PDT office in Kalibata, South Jakarta, on Monday (August 31, 2026).

Minister Yandri explained that the harmonious integration between historical cultural heritage and community participation positions Mojokerto Regency as a concrete model for translating historic noble values into tangible achievements within modern rural development.

Minister Yandri also commended Mojokerto Regency's achievements, consistently driving public service digitalization and transparent information disclosure.

This performance is evidenced by the regency's success in achieving Independent Village (Desa Mandiri) status across its administrative area under the Developing Village Index (Indeks Desa Membangun / IDM), propelled by efficient budget governance and the integration of technology into public services.

"In my view, the Regent of Mojokerto is far more prepared than other regencies that previously offered to host National Village Day. Mojokerto possesses numerous cultural heritage sites and traditional art forms that can serve as venues for the event's itinerary," Minister Yandri added.

Meanwhile, Regent of Mojokerto Muhammad Albarra—affectionately known as Gus Barra—stated that designating the Mojokerto Regency Government as host represents a strategic milestone that reinforces the region's position as an epicenter of rural innovation and development.

He emphasized that Mojokerto's readiness to host a national-scale event rests on its proven track record of transforming villages across the "Land of Majapahit." The spirit of autonomous governance inherited from ancient civilization is now reflected within modern administrative frameworks.

"This appointment is both a great honor and a profound responsibility for the Mojokerto Regency Government. Consequently, we wish to outline our potential, readiness, and proposed event lineup," Gus Barra stated.

"We aim to demonstrate that Mojokerto Regency possesses strong rural, tourism, cultural, and creative economy potential that will serve as the backbone of National Village Day 2027," he concluded.

The meeting was attended by Senior Executive Officials (Pimpinan Tinggi Madya) and Junior Executive Officials (Pimpinan Tinggi Pratama) within the Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions.

Photo: Wening/Kemendes PDT 
Text: Dayat/Kemendes PDT