JAKARTA – The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, has called on all levels of society, particularly the Association of Indonesian Village Governments (APDESI), to continuously maintain the solidarity of its members across various regions in Indonesia.

With thousands of members, APDESI plays a vital role in mobilizing communities at the grassroots level. It is also a key actor in ensuring the success of President Prabowo Subianto's priority programs, specifically the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) initiative and the Merah Putih Village/Urban Village Cooperatives (Kopdeskel).

"The government under President Prabowo intends to foster positive cooperation. We recognize that the Village Government is the frontline of administration, responsible for translating the President's policies—such as the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives, the Free Nutritious Meals program, and others—into action," explained Minister Yandri during his address at the Inauguration of the APDESI Central Executive Board (DPP), held at the Ministry's Oproom on Monday (Feb 16, 2026).

Furthermore, Minister Yandri stated his total commitment to supporting APDESI's work programs related to sustainable community empowerment and assistance.

He also requested that all levels of village government within APDESI synergize to increase public participation and guide the community toward creating self-sufficient villages based on their respective superior potentials.

"Therefore, along with the Deputy Minister, we are ready to collaborate with APDESI to succeed in its programs, including the thematic villages intended to support Village Cooperatives and the Free Nutritious Meals program," Minister Yandri elaborated.

"Based on the Chairman's speech earlier, we will establish many Tourism Villages, Export Villages, and more," he added.

Minister Yandri also noted that the APDESI board serves as a strategic partner for the Ministry of Villages and other village-related ministries. This partnership is essential for accelerating policies that directly address the issues and needs of rural communities.

Consequently, the unity of the APDESI board is a major hope for policymakers at both central and regional levels to ensure good, fair, and equitable governance for all villagers in Indonesia.

"I am grateful to the APDESI family for remaining harmonious and united. This unity is a vital asset for Village Heads, village officials, and the people, who wish to see their leaders working together in harmony," he concluded.

In attendance at the event were the Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan; Deputy Minister of Villages, Ariza Patria; Secretary-General of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Tomsi Tohir Balaw; and the senior leadership (Pimpinan Tinggi Madya) of the Ministry of Villages and PDT.

Photo: Sigit/Kemendes PDT

Text: Dayat/Kemendes PDT