Ministry of Coordinating Human Development and Culture Develops Community-Based Village Economy
The Ministry of Coordinating Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PM) is accelerating the strengthening of village economic ecosystems through the ‘Perintis Berdaya’ programme in East Lampung. This programme targets regional self-reliance based on local potential and community collaboration.
Deputy for Coordinating the Empowerment of Community Economy and Protection of Migrant Workers from Kemenko PM, Leontinus Alpha Edison, stated that the empowerment approach cannot be solely top-down. ‘Our presence in East Lampung is to ensure that the ’Perintis Berdaya’ concept grows alongside local wisdom,’ Leontinus said in his statement on Thursday (16/4/2026).
He emphasised that strengthening the village economy must rely on the role of local driving figures or local champions. According to him, transformation from dependency to self-reliance can only be achieved if the community becomes the main actor in development.
In this event, Kemenko PM also held a Dialogue with the Deputy (DBD) to absorb aspirations from business actors and cooperatives. This forum serves as a space to formulate more inclusive policies that align with field needs.
The Perintis Berdaya programme focuses on four main pillars: digital innovation, financial literacy, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and protection for Indonesian migrant workers (PMI). The implementation of this programme strengthens SMEs and cooperatives at the village level.
Leontinus emphasised that protection for migrant workers must start from the village. ‘The state is present to ensure that community support networks become the first line of defence for migrant workers,’ he said.
This activity involves academics, business associations, and civil society organisations to strengthen a sustainable empowerment ecosystem.
The Regent of East Lampung, Ela Siti Nuryamah, welcomed this collaboration as a new impetus for regional development. ‘With active community participation and support from Kemenko PM, we are confident that the agricultural potential and village SMEs will develop into an independent economic force,’ Ela said.
The Programme Coordinator for ILO PROTECT on Labour Migration, Sinthia Harkrisnowo, also expressed support for strengthening migrant worker protection. ‘We support enhancements in digital literacy and skills so that migrant workers can compete globally with adequate protection,’ she stated.