JAKARTA – The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, witnessed the sacrificial slaughter of 1,000 sheep, an initiative organized through a collaboration between the Serang Regency Government, PT Kurma Adzwa Farm, and the DT Peduli charity foundation.

Minister Yandri remarked that sharing is one of the highest virtues, delivering direct benefits to those in need. "Let us focus our energy on promoting and expanding events like this," Minister Yandri said.

In line with this spirit, Minister Yandri encouraged villages in Serang Regency to establish thematic villages, specifically suggesting the development of "Sheep Villages" (Desa Domba). Thematic villages are part of the Ministry's flagship priority programs designed to drive progress and prosperity across rural Indonesia.

"In addition, we have the Export Village program and other priority initiatives," Minister Yandri added.

Thematic villages are tailored to the existing potential of each region, leading to specialized areas such as Sheep Villages, Tilapia Fish Villages, or Vegetable Villages. The yields from these thematic villages can be strategically directed to supply the massive raw material requirements of the government's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

"At the Ministry of Villages, we are working tirelessly through various programs to advance rural areas and improve the welfare of village communities," Minister Yandri stated. He also expressed his profound gratitude to all collaborating partners who made the mass slaughter event possible.

Meanwhile, the Regent of Serang, Ratu Rachmatu Zakiyah, emphasized that Eid al-Adha is a sacred holiday for Muslims. "The Serang Regency Government deeply appreciates this event as it symbolizes the strong bond of Islamic brotherhood (Ukhuwah Islamiyah) within the community," Regent Ratu expressed.

Regent Ratu thanked all collaborating organizations and invited the citizens of Serang to continuously strengthen their sense of togetherness and communal harmony.

Accompanied by the Regent of Serang and other distinguished guests, Minister Yandri toured the location to observe the slaughter process carried out by certified halal slaughtermen (Juleha). The sacrificial meat is scheduled to be distributed across 29 sub-districts in Serang Regency.

The event was attended by the President Director of DT Peduli Jajang Nurjaman, Director of Kurma Adzwa Farm Ikhsan Davit Wijaya, Chairman of Baznas Banten Province Wawan Wahyudin, Banten Regional MP (DPRD) Dede Rohana, Serang Regional Secretary Zaldi Dhuhana, Vice Chairman of Serang DPRD Abdul Ghofur, the Serang Regency Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), sub-district heads, leaders of mass organizations, and local residents.

Accompanying Minister Yandri from the Ministry were Secretary-General Taufik Madjid and the Director General of Village Economic Development and Investment, Tabrani.

Foto: Reza/Kemendes PDT 
Teks: Firman/Kemendes PDT