"We can see that economic growth in villages is still in a slow state. Hence, we aim to optimize BUMDes to strengthen the economy in villages," Raharjo remarked after being inaugurated by President Joko Widodo at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Monday.
The deputy minister expressed belief that strong economic growth in villages will, in turn, support the government's efforts to boost economic growth at the national level.
Raharjo also noted that the president had urged him to help strengthen the PDTT Ministry by formulating and executing policies that can stimulate and sustain economic growth in villages.
In order to achieve the goal, Raharjo said he will take various measures, including by optimizing the use of the Village Fund and the roles of BUMDes.
"We should work in synergy and collaboration to optimize the ever-increasing distribution rate of the Village Fund. However, in 2022, the rate was on a decline, so we (the ministry) have to find better ways to assist villages," he pointed out.
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Raharjo also spoke of having coordinated with the earlier PDTT Deputy Minister Budi Arie Setiadi regarding duties at the ministry, adding that he was awaiting directives from PDTT Minister Abdul Halim Iskandar, who is currently abroad.
Meanwhile, Budi Arie Setiadi concluded his service as PDTT Deputy Minister, as he was appointed as Communication and Informatics Minister by President Widodo.
"Later, I will coordinate with Mr Iskandar regarding his directives. He is currently abroad," Raharjo affirmed.
Prior to his appointment, Raharjo served as rector of private Jakarta-based Prof. Dr. Moestopo University.
On Monday at the State Palace, President Widodo inaugurated one minister and five deputy ministers:
1. Budi Arie Setiadi as Minister of Communications and Informatics;
2. Paiman Raharjo as Deputy Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration;
3. Nezar Patria as Deputy Minister of Communications and Informatics;
4. Pahala Mansury as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs;
5. Rosan Roeslani as Deputy Minister of State-owned Enterprises;
6. Saiful Rahmat Dasuki as Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs.
Related news: Ministry urges village-run enterprises to obtain legal status
Translator: Indra Arief, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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