JAKARTA – The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, expressed his expectation for Central Community Empowerment Professional Experts (Tenaga Ahli Pemberdayaan Masyarakat / TAPM) to increase productivity and deliver their finest work to drive village progress across Indonesia.

According to him, central-level TAPM experts serve as a vital pillar capable of mobilizing thousands of village facilitators (pendamping desa) and village heads throughout the Indonesian archipelago, particularly by ensuring government programs align with community expectations.

"Do not view yourselves merely as employees; aim for a broader scope—meaning making a significantly larger contribution. You are commanders for all villages in Indonesia, steering thousands of village facilitators and village heads nationwide," Minister Yandri stated during his inaugural meeting with Central TAPM personnel at the Kemendes PDT Office, South Jakarta, on Monday (August 10, 2026).

Minister Yandri also emphasized that Central TAPM personnel must execute their duties with utmost dedication, taking a direct role in formulating regulations, guidelines, and supervisory frameworks for the Village Community Development and Empowerment Program (P3MD) across Indonesia.

Furthermore, Central TAPM experts are tasked with coordinating, evaluating, and delivering solutions for operational hurdles encountered by TAPM teams at the provincial and regency levels, as well as field facilitators on the ground.

"Ensure that your conduct serves as an exemplary guide for those at the local level. This must be deeply understood, especially by newly appointed personnel. Do not fail to internalize these responsibilities, as you are select individuals who must not take this opportunity for granted," Minister Yandri explained.

Additionally, Minister Yandri requested Central TAPM experts to take full responsibility for safeguarding various strategic programs—ranging from village development planning and Village Fund (Dana Desa) management to the growth of Village-Owned Enterprises (BUM Desa).

These responsibilities will serve as benchmarks for periodic evaluations of all Central TAPM personnel, ensuring their facilitation, guidance, and supervisory functions adhere to high quality standards.

"Evaluations will be conducted continuously; nothing is permanent. I have instructed the Head of the Agency (Kaban) to shift the mindset of Central TAPM personnel. Clocking in at the office without producing meaningful outcomes serves no purpose," he concluded.

Accompanying Minister Yandri at the event were Deputy Minister Ariza Patria, Secretary-General of Kemendes PDT Taufik Madjid, alongside Senior High Executive and Junior High Executive Officials across the Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions.

Photo: Andri/Kemendes PDT 
Text: Dayat/Kemendes PDT