Minister of Villages Optimistic Returning Migrant Workers Will Boost Rural Economic Activity

Jakarta — Indonesia’s Minister of Village and Disadvantaged Area Development (Mendes PDT) Yandri Susanto has expressed confidence that returning migrant workers will boost economic activity in rural villages.

Speaking during a media gathering at his residence on Monday 16 March 2026, Susanto explained that migrants returning to their home villages will bring earnings from their work in cities and spend money or distribute it amongst relatives and close acquaintances.

“We urge returning migrants, if they wish to bring souvenirs, to purchase village products so as to create an economic benefit for rural communities,” said the former deputy chairman of Indonesia’s People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI).

The minister also encouraged returning migrants to undertake additional positive actions, such as helping to map the potential resources available to their villages in detail. This includes identifying problems or challenges their villages currently face and proposing practical solutions.

“The Ministry of Village Development is ready to receive input from residents regarding village development to ensure it is more effective and well-targeted,” said Susanto, who is also a former chairman of the Eighth Commission of Indonesia’s House of Representatives.

The annual exodus of workers returning to their home villages will serve as an opportunity for urban migrants to reconnect with their rural communities. “We encourage returning migrants, most of whom return to villages, to always maintain family ties and foster optimism,” the minister concluded.