Jakarta – The Association of All Indonesian Village Government Apparatus (PAPDESI) and the Association of All Indonesian Village Governments (APDESI) have expressed their full support for the strategic programs initiated by the government of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
Both associations consider economic equality programs that lead to village welfare as an important step in strengthening national development.
PAPDESI General Chairperson, Wargiyati, said that the success of strategic programs is very dependent on collaboration between the central, regional and village governments.
“Mr. Prabowo is focusing on preparing various policies such as food security, free nutritious food, natural resource exploration and management with the concept of downstreaming, including strict supervision. All of this must be supported by the village as the smallest unit of government,” said Wargiyati.
According to Wargiyati, the changes in the Village Law, which has now been revised from Law No. 6 of 2014 to Law No. 3 of 2024, provide an important foundation for village heads and village officials to be more creative and innovative in managing village government. With Prabowo-Gibran’s leadership, villages have the opportunity to play a bigger role in development, not only as objects, but also as active subjects in the national development process.
As part of the commitment to support government programs, PAPDESI and APDESI also plan to attend the socialization and signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Villages and the Ministry of Agriculture regarding the National Red and White Food Movement. Wargiyati hopes that this program can be realized soon, realizing food self-sufficiency, and improving the welfare of village communities as a whole.
Meanwhile, the General Chairperson of APDESI, A. Anwar Sadat, emphasized the importance of the role of villages in national development.
“As many as 71% of Indonesia’s population lives in villages, and 91% of Indonesia’s territory is rural. Therefore, villages must be a priority in development. Village heads and village communities must be the main drivers,” he said. Anwar referred to Bung Hatta’s message, “Indonesia will not shine with one big torch in Jakarta, but from small candles in the villages.”
Synergy between the central, regional and village governments, according to Anwar, is crucial to realizing the vision of the Prabowo-Gibran government, namely a just, prosperous, independent and dignified people. Through solid cooperation, Indonesia can be an example for other countries in building welfare and social justice.
With this spirit of collaboration, PAPDESI and APDESI are optimistic that villages will become important pillars in the economic equality and development of Indonesia that is more equitable and just. [*]