Banda Aceh, Aceh (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has drawn attention to the importance of utilizing rural development funds in accordance with the needs of villages.

"I need to remind (you) that rural funds must be used in accordance with the needs in those villages in our kampongs," Jokowi remarked while speaking at the University of Syiah Kuala, here, Friday.

The rural funds could be channeled for the development of rural infrastructure, small dams, roads, and other social facilities, such as integrated health posts (Posyandu), he stated.

"It has to ensure that we develop something useful for rural people," he added.

Rural funds are expected to help increase money circulation in villages and finally boost the rural economy, he stated.

He also called on local villages to promote their aesthetic value to attract tourists.

President Jokowi was accompanied by First Lady Iriana; Minister of Village, Development of Disadvantaged Region, and Transmigration Eko Putro Sandjojo; Minister of Agrarian and Land Planning Sofyan Djalil; and Acting Governor of Aceh Nova Iriansyah.

During his two-day working visit to Aceh, President Jokowi is also scheduled to officiate a groundbreaking ceremony of the Banda Aceh-Sigli toll road, meet with local prominent ulemas, and inaugurate several other projects.

Reporting by Bayu Prasetyo, Fardah

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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