Minister Invites Returnees to Make Eid al-Fitr a Catalyst for Village Development

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Minister of Villages and Disadvantaged Regions Development (Kemendes PDT) Yandri Susanto has urged tens of millions of citizens undertaking journeys home for Eid al-Fitr celebrations to transform this momentum into a catalyst for economic revival and development at the village level, rather than treating it merely as an occasion for kinship gatherings.

The message was conveyed by the Minister during a discussion with journalists at a joint breaking of fast at his official residence in Jakarta on Monday evening. He highlighted that the massive movement of returnees to rural areas must be maximised to deliver tangible and sustainable positive impacts.

“We hope that these family gatherings will inspire optimism. The returnees, God willing, will bring money to their respective villages, so village economic activity will surely flourish,” said Yandri.

To optimise the circulation of the local economy, he specifically urged migrants to prioritise purchasing authentic village products as souvenirs.

“When you must return to the city, we suggest buying village product souvenirs. Take them to the city; this becomes a moment of economic revival in rural areas,” he said.

Beyond economic circulation, the Minister of Villages also emphasised the importance of knowledge transfer from urban populations to rural communities. Returnees residing in major cities are expected to provide literacy, mentoring, and solutions to various problems existing in their villages of origin.

Furthermore, he stressed that this initiative aligns with the Astacita vision launched by President Prabowo Subianto—namely, building Indonesia from the villages. The current development paradigm, he said, no longer treats villages as objects but has transformed them into the principal subjects of national development.

The Ministry of Villages also opened broad channels for returnees to offer feedback, suggestions, or report on mapping potential and challenges in their villages upon their return to the cities where they reside.

“We hope it is not merely about returning home, but that benefits are left behind after the return journey. There is tangible impact from returnees, and we at the Ministry of Villages are prepared to collaborate with any party to develop villages,” said Yandri.