Minister Karnavian Pushes Villages as New Economic Hubs
- Kemendagri
Jakarta, VIVA – Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian is urging the strengthening of villages as new economic centers.
He was emphasized at the National Work Meeting, which coincided with the 2024 Awarding of Outstanding Villages and Subdistricts, held at the Ksirarnawa Art Center in Denpasar, Bali, on October 8.
"We must make these villages vibrant economic centers, rather than relying solely on urban work. We aim for equitable development, not just benefiting city dwellers," the minister stated.
Menteri Dalam Negeri (Mendagri), Muhammad Tito Karnavian
- Kemendagri
Minister Karnavian highlighted the need to strengthen villages to prevent urbanization, citing issues in countries like Japan and South Korea, where urbanization has led to demographic imbalances.
He stated, "Japan has 93 percent of its population in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. This urbanization leaves villages behind, despite their potential for contributing to development,"
The minister’s vision aligns with President Joko Widodo's commitment to developing Indonesia from the periphery by empowering villages. He stressed that village heads and subdistrict leaders are crucial in development as they directly engage with the community.
He added that the government has implemented various programs to support village development, exemplified by the Village Law No. 6 of 2014, recently revised to Law No. 3 of 2024. This law transforms villages into integral parts of the governance system.
He stated the establishment of village institutions and the allocation of village budgets.
With these supports, he hopes villages will not only emerge as new economic centers but also create jobs, contribute to development, and support Indonesia's Golden Vision for 2045.
To achieve this, village heads must possess skills, including entrepreneurship, to enhance Regional Original Income (PAD) and Village Original Income (PADes).
