JAKARTA – The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, has called on all levels of government to prioritize solidarity and collective interests.

By doing so, he believes that concrete solutions for the welfare and progress of villages will emerge, particularly in the sectors of massive community assistance and empowerment.

"I appreciate the big ideas, the vision, and the kinship that have been prioritized so far. I believe that through frequent coordination and discussion to find solutions, we will find common ground. If there are issues, let us bring them to the dialogue room," explained Minister Yandri during his address at the Gathering and Iftar (Buka Puasa Bersama) with the Central Executive Board (DPP) of the Association of Indonesian Regency Governments (APKASI) at the Raffles Hotel, Kuningan, South Jakarta, Thursday (March 5, 2026).

Furthermore, Minister Yandri emphasized the importance of accelerating the development of disadvantaged regions through the synchronization of central and regional programs, as well as strengthening village governance.

He also touched upon various challenges faced by disadvantaged regions, such as limited fiscal capacity, low Village Original Income (PAD), and inadequate quality of basic services.

According to him, strategic steps from Regional Heads are vital to ensuring economic equality, the eradication of extreme poverty, and the enhancement of village self-sufficiency across all regions.

"Two weeks ago, we held a National Coordination Meeting for the Acceleration of Development in Disadvantaged Regions (PPDT), involving many parties. We invited representatives from Bappenas, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Public Works, and others. We realize that the potential in Regencies is immense, especially within the villages," Minister Yandri elaborated.

Minister Yandri asserted that the Ministry has a strong commitment to providing technical assistance so that villages in disadvantaged areas do not have to struggle alone.

He encouraged Regional Heads to report the specific potential of villages in their respective areas to the Ministry, so that these potentials can be utilized as the primary engine for improving community welfare.

"If there is village potential, please let us know. We have the Tourism Village program. We have the Export Village program. We want to create economic activities in the villages—be it thematic villages, export villages, tourism villages, and so on," he concluded.

Also present at the event was the Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian. Accompanying Minister Yandri was the Special Staff to the Minister, M. Fahad Attamimi.

Foto: Sigit/Kemendes PDT 
Teks: Dayat/Kemendes PDT