JAKARTA, Sept 2 (Bernama-ANTARA) -- Indonesia’s Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration (Kemendes PDTT) said ASEAN countries are committed to jointly building sustainable villages, reported ANTARA news agency.
"We are committed to ensuring that no village is left behind. We will build villages across all regions and work together to achieve sustainable development," said Acting Director-General of Village Development and Empowerment at Kemendes PDTT, Rachmatia Handayani, in a statement received in Jakarta on Monday.
Rachmatia stated that this commitment is one of the outcomes of the discussions held at the Senior Official Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (SOMRDPE), held in Batu City from August 28 to September 1, 2024.
According to Rachmatia, international collaboration, particularly among ASEAN countries, is crucial for advancing village development. Rachmatia emphasised that the SOMRDPE forum plays a vital role in promoting and facilitating such cooperation.
"This event is very important for ASEAN. We have a common goal, which is to collaborate and work together in building sustainable villages. We have great potential in areas such as tourism and digitalisation to enhance village presence and contribute to the economic development of communities," she said.
The SOMRDPE forum was attended by delegates from ASEAN member countries and villages that are part of the ASEAN Village Network (AVN). Forum participants engaged in discussions aimed at determining the direction of village development based on each country's potential and needs.
Delegates from the Philippines appreciated the role of SOMRDPE and AVN in village development efforts. They were impressed by the event's concept and the cultural showcases, particularly from the villages in Batu City and Malang Regency.
Before the event concluded, the delegates received certificates of appreciation and traditional Indonesian souvenirs to take home as mementos. The closing ceremony was marked by all the delegates and guests striking a traditional gong, symbolising Indonesian culture.
--BERNAMA-ANTARA
