VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The villages in Indonesia, which reaches more than 75,000, should become the backbone of the economy amid the Covid-19 pandemic. To encourage the rural economy, village infrastructure must, of course, continue to be improved by providing cash-intensive stimulus village funds which are aimed at maintaining productivity.

President Joko Widodo in a limited cabinet meeting on Thursday (24/9), emphasized that the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic should be a momentum to carry out reforms and to plan a grand strategy in a bid to support the economy, especially in the villages.

The President asked that all program schemes related to rural social protection nets, such as the family hope program, cash social assistance, village cash transfers and so on can run effectively and appropriately.

Likewise with the implementation of cash for work in rural areas, it must be escorted by adhering to health protocols. So, it can reduce the burden on rural communities who may lose their jobs or have difficulty finding work in amid the Covid-19 pandemic, or those from underprivileged circles.

Furthermore, President Joko WI dodo also instructed relevant officials to consolidate the ministries’ programs that can improve the village economy.

According to President Joko Widodo, each ministry should not run the program independently. They must integrate themselves into program schemes that complement each other. Unless, the results will not be visible.

In addition, each village must also be directed to develop its local potential in order to strengthen the village's economic leverage.

The President emphasized that villagers must be provided space for participation and creation in advancing the village's leading sectors, such as those related to agriculture, village tourism, and craft industry in rural areas.

Currently, more than 75 percent of Indonesia's population is in rural areas. This means that the future of this country should no longer be located in cities but in rural areas, especially in the current pandemic conditions. In the future, the city should only be a service provider, while the centers of production activities will be in the villages.