Government Optimally Builds Villages, Eradicates Poverty and Levels the Economy

JAKARTA – The government’s efforts to build villages, eradicate poverty, and level the economy have shown positive results.

The Republic Institute released a public satisfaction survey on the performance of ministers in the cabinet of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

The survey results placed the Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions, Yandri Susanto, as the best minister in this aspect.

The survey, which was conducted on January 18-25, 2025, of 1,400 respondents, showed that Yandri Susanto received a satisfaction rating of 75.5%.

Public trust in village development programs and food self-sufficiency from villages is the main factor in the high public satisfaction.

“The village development and food self-sufficiency action program has received a positive response from the community, especially in rural areas,” said Yandri in his statement.

Not only that, the direct approach to the community through working visits and staying at residents’ homes is considered to strengthen the government’s closeness to the village community.

“Direct interaction with rural communities allows for real program evaluation and ensures that residents’ needs can be optimally met,” he added.

In addition to Yandri Susanto, Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf and Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar also received high appreciation for their contributions to village development and poverty eradication.

The survey showed that the level of satisfaction with Saifullah Yusuf was 71.6%, while Muhaimin Iskandar reached 70.5%.

In an audience with the Deputy Governor of the Riau Islands, Nyanyang Haris Pratamura, Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo emphasized the importance of synergy between the central and regional governments in eradicating poverty.

“We must change our mindset. The Family Hope Program and Beneficiary Groups are not just social assistance, but must be oriented towards empowerment. The community must be directed to produce,” said Agus.

The Riau Islands Provincial Government is also committed to supporting community empowerment by providing skills training tailored to market needs.

“Training is not just a ceremony, but must be applicable so that the community is ready to work or become entrepreneurs,” said Nyanyang Haris.

The Ministry of Social Affairs continues to promote empowerment programs that are in line with President Prabowo’s Asta Cita vision in placing poverty eradication as a national priority.

With close collaboration between the central and regional governments, it is hoped that the welfare of village communities will increase and economic disparities can be overcome sustainably. (*)