"We want the village fund is not only used for infrastructure but the economic empowerment of rural communities as well," the President said at the Progi field, Pagedangan, Banten on Sunday.
The head of state made the remarks while publicizing the use of village fund at a function which was also attended by the minister of Village affairs, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration Eko Putro Sandjojo.
"In 2014 (government) provided the village fund for 20 trillion rupiah, then rose to 40 trillion, it was up again for 60 trillion rupiah, and this year reaches 60 trillion rupiah, while next year it will be 70 trillion rupiah. What does it mean? The government gives great attention to the village," the President unveiled. One US dollar is around Rp15,000.
The village fund, according to the president, is also aimed to reduce the poverty rate by up to 2 folds compared to that in the city, so that some 1.2 million villagers have been alleviated from poverty.
"Stunting dropped from 37 percent to 30 percent, this is a significant decline. It (village fund) can also be used to improve the implementation of Early Childhood Education (PAUD) so that our children will get better," Jokowi pointed out.
The president further said that the village fund was also made of use to construct at least 95 thousand kilometers of roads, 914
bridges, as well as to make 2,200 boats and build 14,000 PAUDs.
Reporting by Desca Lidya Natalia
Editing by Bustanudin
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
