Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian advocates for strengthening villages as new economic centers. This was emphasized in his official statement during the National Work Meeting and the Award Ceremony for Outstanding Villages and Sub-Districts of 2024 at the Ksirarnawa Art Center Building in Denpasar, Bali, on Tuesday (October 8, 2024). Tito highlighted the necessity to transform villages into vibrant economic hubs rather than solely relying on urban jobs. He also stressed the importance of equitable development, ensuring that it benefits not just urban dwellers but also rural communities. Strengthening villages, he argued, is essential to prevent urbanization, which has posed significant demographic challenges in countries like Japan and South Korea, where 93% of the population resides in cities, leaving rural areas underutilized despite their potential contributions to development.
This initiative aligns with President Joko Widodo's vision of developing Indonesia from its peripheries by empowering villages. Tito pointed out that villages and sub-districts play a crucial role as they are on the frontline of development and directly interact with the community. Unlike regional leaders, village heads and local chiefs face and address local issues directly. The government has implemented various programs to support village development, as evidenced by the establishment of regulations such as Law No. 6 of 2014 on Villages, revised to Law No. 3 of 2024. These laws have redefined villages as integral parts of the governance system. Additionally, the creation of village institutions and the allocation of village funds have been critical measures. With government support, Tito envisions villages not only as new economic centers but also as creators of jobs and contributors to overall development, aligning with the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045. He emphasized that village heads must possess leadership and entrepreneurial skills to enhance local revenues and drive village progress. "Village leaders must be strong leaders with the power and vision to guide their communities forward," he concluded.
