The initiative focuses on building food-producing villages based on local potential, such as catfish, tilapia, and poultry farming, to strengthen the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) initiative.
"We’re creating villages focused on egg-laying chickens, catfish, tilapia, and broiler chickens to support the National Nutrition Agency," Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Yandri Susanto said.
Speaking at an economic forum marking one year of the Prabowo-Gibran administration, Susanto said the program also aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s sixth Astacita mission—building economic growth from the village level to reduce poverty and boost food security.
Each thematic village is designed to utilize local strengths. For example, areas suitable for aquaculture will focus on tilapia production, while others may specialize in poultry.
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Beyond food production, the program is part of a broader strategy to make villages active contributors to national development.
Susanto said his ministry has signed 65 memoranda of understanding with various partners, including ministries, law enforcement agencies, the military, state-owned enterprises, and private companies.
"These collaborations are key to accelerating village development," he said.
The ministry has also drafted 12 action plans to support the Astacita goals. These include Red-and-White Village Cooperatives, export-oriented villages, youth-led programs, and zero-waste villages.
Susanto stressed the strategic importance of villages in national development. “Villages are vital to Indonesia and play a crucial role in advancing our economy,” he said.
The thematic village program is expected to both improve nutrition and create sustainable livelihoods in rural areas.
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Translator: Tri, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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