Deputy Interior Minister deems Jambi's "Happy Village" programme a potential national model

Jambi City (ANTARA) - Deputy Interior Minister (Wamendagri) Bima Arya Sugiarto has assessed that the Kampung Bahagia programme in Jambi City has the potential to serve as a model for a national programme. “Hopefully, if successful, it can be replicated, not only in Jambi but in other neighbourhood units (RT) across Indonesia,” Bima said during a working visit to RT 14, Kenali Asam Ward, Kota Baru Subdistrict, Jambi City, on Wednesday. He encouraged the Kampung Bahagia programme to go beyond mere physical improvements, serving as a strong instrument for community empowerment and budget transparency. Efforts are underway to ensure a uniform standard for financial management that is non-consumptive and focused on long-term dimensions. Additionally, it conveys the message of direct citizen involvement in environmental management and underscores the strong value of mutual cooperation. The former Mayor of Bogor also reminded that the management of funds at the working group (Pokja) and RT levels must have clear standards. The programme should be continuously supported and monitored during its implementation, involving all relevant agencies in overseeing the Kampung Bahagia initiative. He stated that with a mature mentoring system and inter-agency collaboration, Kampung Bahagia is believed not only to beautify the city’s face but also to sustainably improve the quality of life and economic independence of Jambi’s residents. He assured that if the programme runs well and delivers impact, recognition from the central government and the public will follow during Mayor of Jambi Maulana’s leadership. “We challenge our Mayor first for this year; let’s see the figures before and after. If there are results, I’m sure the rewards will be waiting,” he said. Chairman of the Jambi City RT Forum, Suparyono, added that the existence of Kampung Bahagia is very meaningful for the community in providing a sense of security and comfort in the neighbourhood unit environment. The Kampung Bahagia programme is seen as capable of fostering a collective sense of ownership among the people, due to efforts to build comfortable housing through their own endeavours. The Jambi City Government injects direct funds of Rp100 million per RT, managed by the government for needs such as road repairs, drainage, and lighting. “We have installed surveillance cameras at every strategic corner to provide a sense of security, including routine night watch activities (Siskamling) to foster togetherness,” Suparyono explained.