"We are paying special attention to villages because these regions tend to face an array of problems, including stunting, poverty, and ineptitude. I believe that collaborative measures will prove effective against these issues," he remarked.
At an event focused on food security and the green economy in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province, on Monday (June 23), Susanto affirmed that the government's village-oriented development approach aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's eight primary missions, collectively known as Asta Cita.
"Mr. President has made it clear in mission six of Asta Cita that the government aims to build the country from the rural level in a bid to realize economic equity and alleviate poverty," he noted.
Further justifying this approach, the minister asserted that developing villages is equivalent to bolstering the economic and social welfare of the Indonesian nation as a whole.
According to Susanto, the government also seeks to avoid the trend experienced by Japan and South Korea, where rural regions face extensive population decline due to urban migration.
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"President Prabowo's administration is genuinely committed to positioning villages as pillars of the nation. I believe that developing over 75 thousand villages across Indonesia can ease the burden on the country," he stated.
In this regard, Susanto affirmed that his office is also eager to collaborate with the NTT provincial government to encourage growth in local villages.
The minister believes that ensuring the prosperity of NTT's rural regions is essential, as they represent Indonesia's image to neighboring countries, such as Timor-Leste and Australia.
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Translator: Gecio V, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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