Surabaya, E Java (ANTARA News) - Vice President Boediono expressed his optimism here on Thursday that Indonesia`s target for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will be reached in 2015.

"Judging from the role of the Family Welfare Movement (PKK)`s cadres and the Indonesians` spirit of mutual cooperation, I am sure that the MDG`s target can be met as scheduled," stated Boediono when inaugurating the 9th commemoration of the Public Mutual Assistance Declaration Month and the 40th commemoration of PKK solidarity here on Thursday.

The vice president admitted that as of mid-2012, the country has yet to address three issues at home, namely, reducing the maternal and infant mortality rates at the time of birth; the prevention of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria; and providing sufficient access to drinking water and basic sanitation.

Regarding the limited time left to meet the MDG targets, Boediono urged all levels of government - from the provincial levels to the villages - to cooperate with the community in attaining the target.

"Mutual cooperation should be strengthened, so that the living environment will always be clean, thus reducing viruses and diseases," he remarked.

Boediono also emphasised that the family is the main pillar of the nation.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Gamawan Fauzi stated on the occasion that PKK is an effective means to strengthen the mutual cooperation scheme to increase the prosperity of the nation`s families.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012