THE EDITOR – Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Yandri Susanto encourages Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) throughout Indonesia to continue to improve themselves, be more creative, and innovative.
This is so that BUMDes can adapt to various challenges, including being one of the frontline suppliers of food raw materials in the free nutritious meal programme launched by President Prabowo Subianto.
To advance villages, the government is working with the World Bank on the Strengthening Village Governance and Development Programme (P3PD). Five ministries are mandated to run this programme, namely the Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions, Ministry of Home Affairs, Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of National Development Planning. This programme is to make quality village spending in accordance with community competencies.
“This Village-Owned Enterprise can be a model. Therefore, we wish you to explore the potential of each village. What is the Seluma market, for example,” said Minister Yandri when giving directions in the Socialisation of BUMDes Institutional Strengthening agenda in Bengkulu on Monday (11/11/2024).
On that occasion, Minister Yandri also invited all layers of stakeholders at the district, sub-district, and village levels to spread the spirit of mutual cooperation in supporting the development and sustainability of village superior local products based on digital innovation.
The development of BUMDes based on innovation and technology is considered to accelerate inclusive and sustainable economic growth. This is in line with efforts to reduce poverty and reduce economic disparities between regions.
“Please tell us, as we are now mapping, studying, mapping the potential of villages in Indonesia,” he said.
He asked the central government, regional governments, and other stakeholders to play a role in providing adequate support for BUMDes product development.
This support includes business capital assistance, training, mentoring, digital marketing, and marketing platforms that can be managed properly.
According to him, this is an initiative that not only focuses on advancing the local economy, but also generates pride in the potential of our own nation.
In this context, Bengkulu has a very special nature with rich earth, culture, and tremendous economic potential.
“I am very sure that in Bengkulu Province, if the villages move towards the same rhythm, then we have followed President Prabowo’s direction of food self-sufficiency,” he concluded.
Also attending the event were Head of BPSDM of the Ministry Luthfiyah Nurlaela, Director General of PEID of the Ministry Harlina Sulistyorini, and a number of high-ranking officials within the Ministry.
