BNPPDT Prioritises Economic Programmes with Tangible Impact in Border Areas

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The National Agency for Border and Remote Area Management (BNPPDT) is prioritising economic development programmes that match the needs of border communities and can be implemented promptly to provide tangible benefits to local economies.

BNPPDT head Maruli Simanjuntak has instructed his staff to give priority to initiatives that can be carried out quickly and at relatively low cost.

He gave the instruction at the agency’s first internal coordination meeting with its secretary, deputies and assistant deputies in Jakarta on Tuesday.

According to a statement received from the agency, Maruli said programmes that can be launched promptly should be tested in practice so that communities can feel their benefits.

To support implementation, Maruli asked BNPPDT’s Expert Group to form a team to identify and assess the potential of each area. The team is expected to have a coordinator and include academics, students and experts with the required skills.

The findings will provide the basis for detailed regional development plans, including mapping infrastructure needs and supporting facilities.

Technical experts will also be needed to identify the specific requirements of each area, including water transport facilities where necessary.

“All work should continue as usual. If there are issues that need quick solutions, please get in touch with me,” he said.

By mapping regional potential and selecting programmes according to community needs, BNPPDT aims to promote more targeted development in border and remote areas.

The approach, he said, is expected to speed up the meeting of community needs while ensuring that programmes deliver tangible benefits.