"We should not neglect cultural roots in the planning and execution of development works in villages," Iskandar stated in his keynote speech for a climate change forum held by his ministry and World Bank in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Iskandar observed that the neglect of cultural roots in villages might result in the loss of a local language and tradition.
On that note, he underlined that the government had been consistently holding local cultures in high regard while implementing development projects in villages.
"With cultural roots remaining the foundation of the planning of village development, I believe that nothing, not even time nor technological development, will adversely affect the diversity we are blessed with," he affirmed.
To ensure cultural roots-based rural development, Iskandar stated that the ministry had devised a set of strategies called Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Village aimed at building the institutional capacity of villages and helping rural residents to adapt to changes without abandoning their cultures.
The minister then cited houses in transmigration regions as an example of village development that did not pay special attention to the cultural roots.
According to Iskandar, the design for houses built in such regions tends to ignore local cultures.
Bearing that in mind, he expressed hope that the SDGs of Village would help the government apply designs that incorporate the aspects of local culture for houses in transmigration regions.
He emphasized that such designs are important to encourage harmony between transmigrants and local residents.
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Translator: Tri M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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