JAKARTA – The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, received an official visit from the Ambassador of Kuwait to Indonesia, H.E. Khalid Jassim Alyassin, at the Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions office in Jakarta on Wednesday (August 26, 2026).

During the meeting, Ambassador Khalid Jassim Alyassin highlighted that official diplomatic relations between Kuwait and Indonesia have been established since 1968. He emphasized the importance of further bolstering these bilateral ties through formal cooperation between the governments of Kuwait and Indonesia.

Additionally, Ambassador Alyassin noted that Kuwait hosts various private organizations and charities that collect domestic donations to assist other nations. Contributions provided by these organizations are dedicated to supporting orphans, establishing Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), constructing mosques, and supplying boats to local fishermen to help them secure sustainable livelihoods.

"These Kuwaiti associations deliver aid across diverse regions throughout Indonesia. Given Indonesia's extensive geography, we have already carried out initiatives across various locations, including building infrastructure, schools, and mosques in villages across Sumatra, Java, and other islands," stated Khalid Jassim.

In response, Minister Yandri expressed his highest appreciation for Kuwait's direct support to Indonesian villages, boarding schools, and places of worship, noting that the local communities have directly felt the positive impact of these initiatives.

Minister Yandri outlined that Indonesia encompasses 75,266 villages, each rich in local economic potential. To harness this, the ministry has formulated 12 Rural Development Actions, including the Merah Putih Village Cooperative program, Village-Owned Enterprises (BUM Desa), Export Villages, and Tourism Villages. He pointed out that many rural areas still require enhanced facilities for worship, education, and healthcare, alongside human resource development.

"We have established thematic villages focused on food security, such as egg-layer chicken villages, broiler chicken villages, catfish farming villages, and tilapia villages. We hope to build concrete partnerships to mentor and develop Indonesian villages, focusing on both local potential and human capital," Minister Yandri added.

Minister Yandri further emphasized the pivotal role of villages under President Prabowo Subianto's strategic agenda, noting that rural areas are central to the 6th point of the Asta Cita vision: developing from the periphery and villages upward to achieve economic equality and eradicate poverty.

To achieve these goals, he expressed hope for a formal bilateral agreement between the governments of Indonesia and Kuwait, as well as direct partnerships between Kuwaiti institutions and Indonesian villages. He highlighted that many villages possess strong foundations for economic ventures, such as export-oriented and tourism initiatives.

"Our goal is to foster community prosperity alongside constructing mosques and schools. Villages are now the primary focus of national development, and we eagerly welcome strategic collaboration with friendly nations like Kuwait," Minister Yandri concluded.

Minister Yandri was accompanied at the meeting by Secretary-General Taufik Madjid, Inspector General Masyhudi, Director General of PEID Tabrani, Director General of PDP Nugroho Setijo Nagoro, Director General of PPDT Samsul Widodo, and Special Staff to the Minister Muhammad Afif Zamroni and Fahad At-Tamimi.

Photo: Reza/Kemendes PDT 
Text: Rifqi/Kemendes PDT