VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa stated that improving people's welfare remains the main focus of the province's development in 2023.

"(This is) especially related to the handling of extreme poverty, education, and human resource development as well as stunting prevalence reduction," Parawansa remarked after leading the "East Java Provincial Government Outlook 2023" coordination meeting here on Friday.

The governor instructed all regional government agencies (OPD) in East Java to synergize and collaborate in order to execute all programs targeted to boost the welfare of people.

According to the governor, there are seven priorities in the 2023 regional development work plan of East Java.

The first priority is driving recovery of the people's economy by increasing the added values of the secondary sector and the tourism sector.

The second focus pertains to strengthening inter-regional connectivity to distribute development results and improve infrastructure services equitably, while the third priority is improving the quality of education, health, workers' productivity, and competitiveness, as well as poverty alleviation.

The fourth area of focus is increasing social awareness and preserving local cultural values, while the fifth priority is increasing food self-sufficiency and management of energy resources.

The sixth area accorded priority is increasing disaster resilience and environmental quality, while the seventh priority is improving peace and public order as well as the quality of public services for people.

Parawansa urged the Village Community's Empowerment Office of East Java to conduct a detailed mapping of villages categorized as extremely poor, developing, and developed.

"If possible, hold a coordination meeting with the district heads and mayors as soon as possible to be able to survey the villages. If necessary, we can invite the Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration as well as launch the disbursement of village funds because the acceleration of the distribution of village funds is crucial," she remarked.

She emphasized that poverty reduction is one of the essential aspects to make a dignified community and to honor the community, one of which is by ensuring that residents reside in livable houses. (antaranews)