JAKARTA – The 2nd National Congress (Munas) of the Association of Indonesian Village Government Apparatus (PAPDESI) is expected to produce strategic recommendations to ensure the successful implementation of the government’s priority programs.

"With this 2nd National Congress, we are waiting for the recommendations. Whatever they may be, we will convey them to the relevant stakeholders and policymakers," said the Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, during the PAPDESI National Congress held at the Ministry’s office in Jakarta, Monday (May 11, 2026).

These recommendations are intended to ensure that all programs initiated by President Prabowo Subianto are effectively executed and that their benefits are directly felt by village residents.

Key government priority programs involving villages include the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (Kopdes), the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, and People's Schools (Sekolah Rakyat).

Minister Yandri noted that villages across the country can support the MBG Program by transforming into thematic villages, such as poultry (egg-laying) villages, tilapia fish villages, or fruit and vegetable villages.

The establishment of thematic villages is aimed at optimizing village development based on their specific local potential. For instance, a village with a natural aptitude for tilapia farming will be developed specifically as a tilapia production hub.

By becoming thematic villages, particularly in the food sector, rural areas can take on the role of primary suppliers for the MBG Program. "The economic benefits of the MBG Program can thus be felt directly by the village community," Minister Yandri explained.

"Bung Hatta once said that Indonesia will never shine or be brightly lit by a single torch at Monas; rather, Indonesia will be brightened by the small candles lit in every village," he added, quoting the nation's founding father.

Minister Yandri invited all parties, especially PAPDESI, to collaborate in succeeding the various priority programs aimed at improving the welfare of rural communities.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of PAPDESI, Wargiyati, expressed her gratitude to the members attending the congress. She also urged the PAPDESI ranks and all Village Heads to fully support President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita (Eight Aspirations).

"I ask all Village Heads to remain steadfast and aligned in ensuring the success of the Government’s programs," Wargiyati stated.

Also in attendance were the Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono, Deputy Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) General Tandyo Budi Revita, and the President Director of PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara Joao Angelo De Sousa Mota.

The 2nd PAPDESI National Congress carried the theme: "Menyatukan Desa Mengawal Asta Cita".

Photo: Wening/Kemendes PDT 
Text: Firman/Kemendes PDT