Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian People\u2019s Consultative Assembly and\nChairman of the Democratic Faction in the House of Representatives,\nEdhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas), reaffirmed his commitment to\nstrengthening women\u2019s role as a primary pillar of rural development.\nThis was conveyed during a technical guidance socialisation event for\nthe Ramadan recess circuit in the East Java VII electoral district on\nSunday (1 March).<\/p>\n
Under the theme \u201cResilient, Empowered Women and Prosperous Families\u201d,\nIbas stated that women possess tremendous potential in driving the\ntourism ecosystem and creative economy at the village level.<\/p>\n
\u201cCentral Bureau of Statistics data shows that over 64 per cent of\nMSME entrepreneurs are women. This is a major force in national economic\ndevelopment, particularly in the rural tourism sector which has become a\nstrategic sectoral focus,\u201d Ibas said in a statement on Sunday (1\nMarch).<\/p>\n
Ibas formulated four main commitments to transform women\u2019s roles in\nrural areas. First, economic strengthening through improved access to\ncapital and MSME digitalisation. Second, oversight of the stunting\nreduction programme through nutrition education at community health\ncentres (Posyandu).<\/p>\n
Third, enhancement of digital literacy so that village flagship\nproducts can compete in national markets. Finally, reinforcement of the\nFour Pillars of the People\u2019s Consultative Assembly as the foundation of\nnational life.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf women are strong, families are strong. If families are strong,\nthis nation will be strong,\u201d said the member of Commission VI of the\nHouse of Representatives.<\/p>\n
In an open dialogue session, participants raised various field\nchallenges, ranging from the need for technical guidance for Ponorogo\nspecialty food entrepreneurs to the provision of promotional spaces in\nstrategic tourism areas such as Benteng and Trinil Museum.<\/p>\n
Responding to these issues, Ibas emphasised the importance of\ninclusive tourism development. According to him, local communities\nshould not merely be spectators but must become principal economic\nactors through collaboration with regional authorities.<\/p>\n
\u201cMSME development must be carried out sustainably, based on regional\nneeds, and strengthened through creative branding and promotion so that\nour local products can penetrate the national market,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Closing his remarks, Ibas invited all women to make the holy month of\nRamadan a \u201ccharacter school\u201d that builds integrity and social\nsolidarity. Quoting the spirit of RA Kartini, he hoped that this year\u2019s\nRamadan would become a turning point for rural women to become more\neconomically and socially empowered.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ibas-encourages-women-as-drivers-of-rural-economy-and-tourism-1772358904", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }