PADANG PARIAMAN – The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, has encouraged that the yields and hard work of village farmers be managed optimally to penetrate national and even global markets.

According to him, the Ministry has made several significant breakthroughs, particularly in the agricultural sector, which have successfully exported goods to neighboring countries and even to Europe, thereby increasing the added value for local farmers.

"Out of the 103 villages here, there may be several with export potential. We can send products directly to the destination countries. So far, farmers work the hardest but don't earn much. Why? Because there are too many middlemen in a chain that is far too long," said Minister Yandri during a meeting with Village Heads (Wali Nagari) across Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra, Friday (April 3, 2026).

"We have an Export Village program that has been launched in many areas, where we ship products directly to destination countries. The official send-off happens right from my village, not just from the port," he added.

Minister Yandri stated that the central government emphasizes the importance of careful, transparent, and accountable management of assistance by local governments, especially in realizing economic empowerment programs for village communities.

The primary goal of such assistance is to ensure that central government affirmations to the regions do not simply vanish without a trace, but instead provide tangible benefits for the welfare of the people managing them and the surrounding environment.

"This will also be a legacy for the Regent, the House of Representatives (DPR RI), and all of us. So I ask earnestly, because the key is in our hands. It is useless for the Regent or the DPR to promote programs if you all do not welcome or safeguard them; the programs will simply disappear," Minister Yandri explained.

"For example, if one billion rupiah in aid is given, it will be gone if it is not managed with heart. It might last only one harvest before the program dies. But with heart, commitment, and a total dedication of soul, it can succeed," he concluded.

During his visit to Padang Pariaman, Minister Yandri took the time to perform Friday prayers at the Sheikh Burhanuddin Mosque, followed by a pilgrimage to the tomb of the great scholar and prominent spreader of Islam in Minangkabau.

Sheikh Burhanuddin is considered the primary pioneer of the massive spread of Islam in West Sumatra through a gentle dawah and a wise cultural approach.

The event was attended by a member of the DPR RI for the West Sumatra II constituency, Arisal Aziz, and the Regent of Padang Pariaman, John Kenedy Azis. Accompanying Minister Yandri were the Head of BPSDM, Agustomi Masik, and the Head of BPI, Mulyadin Malik.

Foto: Didi/Kemendes PDT 
Teks: Dayat/Kemendes PDT