"We are currently aiming to maximize the role of private actors. The plan is to involve 400 companies in the development of underdeveloped villages through corporate social responsibility schemes," PDT Minister Yandri Susanto remarked in Jakarta on Thursday.
During a meeting with Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR), he explained that elevating the role of private actors is crucial, as he assessed that village funds alone are insufficient to optimize rural development.
To this end, Susanto reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that rural residents do not remain economically disadvantaged as industries emerge and expand around their villages.
He emphasized that people in these villages should be able to benefit from the growth occurring in nearby industries.
Susanto's remarks were in response to statements by the commission's speaker, Lasarus, who reminded the government of the importance of enabling rural residents to capitalize on the natural resources in their villages.
"For instance, there is a village situated within a mining industrial zone, but its mining results are taken away from its people. We need to pay close attention to this issue," Lasarus pointed out.
He also suggested that the PDT Ministry coordinate with the Ministry of Forestry and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to encourage business actors to contribute to village development.
"The presence of industries, plantations, mines, and others should bring significant progress to villages," Lasarus remarked.
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Translator: Tri Meilani, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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