"(Matters pertaining to) various poverty alleviation programs at the village level will be resolved if the data updates are valid," Iskandar noted in a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The minister called on village officials to update the data system on a weekly basis in order to better facilitate the village head to overcome poverty based on facts on the ground. As a result, data can be accessed quickly by all village heads.
"If you want to overcome poverty in the village, it must be by data. Moreover, the poverty data must be valid," he stated.
Iskandar noted that so far, several parties still underestimated the ability of village stakeholders to solve problems.
"This situation cannot be allowed to continue, especially since the village's performance in managing Village Funds and work programs has become increasingly progressive from year to year," he remarked.
The ministry is finalizing a system that can provide space for village heads to respond quickly and accurately to data, he pointed out.
Hence, data on villagers or on poverty in the village from a week ago will be available.
"Currently, we have almost completed the collection of village data. This data will serve as the basis for various actions in accelerating village development for the welfare of villagers," the minister stated while receiving an audience with Head of Rokan Hilir District, Afrizal Sintong, and 150 village heads across Rokan Hilir District.
On the occasion, Head of Rokan Hilir District Afrizal said that 18 sub-districts in his territory had the potential in terms of abundant natural resources. However, the pandemic made the wheels of the community's economy to experience a drastic decline.
"There are 42 palm oil mills in our district. However, due to the pandemic, the number has decreased. Hence, I hope that the minister would support all of this," he affirmed.
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Translator: Zubi M, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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