This was proven through the utilization of the 2023 village funds that prioritize economic growth and the quality of human resources in the village, he said during a synergy meeting and professional village assistants (PTT) consolidation in Banda Aceh City on Sunday.
In 2023, approximately 45.7 percent of the village funds were used for economic growth, and 37.1 percent were allocated for human resources.
"This shows that development planning in the villages is on track thanks to village assistance," he noted in a statement received on Monday.
The large percentage of village fund utilization indicates that the planning for village development aligns with the problems faced by the village, its potential, and the existing data, he said.
Iskandar emphasized that village funds can be effectively utilized to foster economic growth and improve the quality of human resources.
He also highlighted the crucial role of PTTs in the success of village development. It is essential to raise awareness in the community about their existence and purpose.
"If the assistants cannot work, the village funds cannot be utilized properly. Therefore, village development cannot be realized because we do not understand the village's needs, potential, and problems," he pointed out.
According to Iskandar, once all villages in Indonesia achieve independent status, assistance will become more challenging. This shift in development, from infrastructure to empowerment, will require high-quality human resources to enhance public welfare.
"Independent villages will still need an assistant. I want each independent village to have one assistant because the tasks will be more demanding," he emphasized.
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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Resinta S
Editor: Anton Santoso
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