"Do not build a village that is far from its cultural roots," Iskandar noted in the ministry's written statement received here on Saturday.
According to him, the development in some villages in Indonesia was not based on their local culture.
Iskandar made the remarks at the launch of the Nusantara Tourism Village Competition and the Village Literacy Competition in Boyolali Village, Demak District, Central Java, on Friday (July 12).
The minister remarked that holding the competition can be one way to ensure that village development is based on local culture.
The ministry did not deem it necessary to have a specific theme for the Village Literacy Competition, he added.
"We have no specific theme. There is no need for documents. The important aspect is that villagers can tell their stories," he said.
Iskandar expressed his support to the ministry's Directorate General of Village and Rural Areal Development in holding the Village Literacy Competition.
The minister also thanked all parties that supported the sustainability of village development efforts, including President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), through his village fund (dana desa) policy.
The village fund program allows every village to step up its development efforts and receive mentoring from the ministry. Hence, the planning, implementation, and evaluation of village development can improve, he said.
On the same occasion, the minister handed over assistance to the Berkah Mulya village-owned enterprise in Boyolali Village that manages a waterpark. Lastly, Iskandar visited the Boyolali Village Library.
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Translator: Tri A, Kenzu
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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