JAKARTA – The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, received an audience from the Rector of the Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin State Islamic University (UIN SMH) Banten, Muhammad Ishom, and his delegation at the Ministry's office in Jakarta on Tuesday (June 2, 2026).

During the meeting, Minister Yandri invited the academic community of UIN SMH Banten to collaborate and engage directly in advancing villages across Banten Province.

According to the Minister, Banten's 1,240 villages require cross-sectoral collaboration and mentoring to thrive. Given the university's large student body and extensive alumni network, contributions from UIN SMH are expected to deliver a tangible and beneficial impact on rural Banten.

"If we work alone, we will not succeed, Sir. There are too many villages, and each region has different characteristics. Together, we can guide students to transform into entrepreneurs," Minister Yandri stated.

Minister Yandri further explained that rural areas currently hold immense potential. Numerous high-potential programs are underway, including tourism villages, thematic villages, and export villages.

Consequently, he called upon higher education institutions, particularly UIN SMH Banten, to participate in community empowerment and mentoring initiatives, aligning with the implementation of the Tri Dharma (Three Pillars) of Higher Education.

"We have access to a global market of 59 countries requesting various products, including lemongrass. Imagine if we establish 10 lemongrass villages in Banten—because if it is just one village, the supply will be insufficient to meet demand. But if an entire sub-district plants lemongrass, we can easily export it. The same applies to shallots, ginger, and many other commodities," he explained.

"This is an excellent and measurable project, Rector; it is not wishful thinking. We can do this, and we already have the program in place. We have the marketing network and financial assistance. However, if we do not take this seriously, it would be a pity—money and time would be spent with no results. I believe this is the perfect momentum," Minister Yandri added.

Accompanying Minister Yandri in the meeting were Secretary-General Taufik Madjid, Director General of PEID Tabrani, Director General of PDP Nugroho Setijo Nagoro, Head of the Information Development Agency (BPI) Mulyadin Malik, Head of BPSDM Agustomi Masik, as well as the Minister's Special Staff, Muhammad Khoirul Huda and Fahad At-Tamimi.

Photo: Sigit/Kemendes PDT 
Text: Rifqi/Kemendes PDT