JAKARTA – The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, received an audience with the Regent of Sigi, Mohamad Rizal Intjenae, and his delegation at the Ministry's office in Jakarta on Tuesday (March 10, 2026).

During the meeting, both parties discussed various village-level programs, including the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives, the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, Village-Owned Enterprises (BUM Desa), as well as Export Villages and Tourism Villages.

Regent Mohamad Rizal Intjenae highlighted that Sigi Regency possesses extraordinary potential as a leading tourism destination. The region combines the natural beauty of Lake Lindu and its surrounding mountains with cultural preservation and endemic flora and fauna within the Lore Lindu National Park.

Beyond tourism, the area is highly productive in freshwater fisheries, agriculture, and plantations. With approximately 10,000 hectares dedicated to cocoa cultivation, Sigi Regency holds significant potential for chocolate exports.

“Surrounding the lake, there are rice fields, plantations, and livestock farms. The potential for coffee, cocoa, and durian is also excellent. We have around 10,000 hectares available for cocoa,” Rizal explained.

The Regent sought the audience with Minister Yandri to explore ways to maximize these diverse potentials across the villages of Sigi Regency.

In response, Minister Yandri welcomed the plans presented by the Sigi Regency government. He suggested that Sigi should focus specifically on maximizing its Tourism Village and Export Village sectors. He committed the Ministry to providing assistance in developing these areas to ensure their full potential is realized.

“Tourism villages, export villages, plantations, and livestock are excellent for economic activities. Successful models of tourism or export villages can be modified and adapted to suit local potentials, as there are many success stories to learn from,” Minister Yandri remarked.

However, Minister Yandri also urged the Sigi Regency government to ensure that the development of tourism villages and other initiatives actively involve the local community. He emphasized that direct community involvement is key to driving local economic growth.

Accompanying Minister Yandri at the meeting were Inspector General Masyhudi, Director General of PEID Tabrani, Director General of PDP Nugroho Setijo Nagoro, Head of BPSDM Agustomi Masik, Head of BPI Mulyadin Malik, and Senior Advisor Sugito.

Foto: Wening/Kemendes PDT 
Teks: Rifqi/Kemendes PDT