Village Development Minister Says Anyer–Panarukan Programme Will Become an Annual Event

Situbondo (ANTARA) — Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Yandri Susanto said the Anyer–Panarukan 3R programme would become an annual event.

The Situbondo Regency Government in East Java and the Serang Regency Government in Banten have signed a memorandum of understanding and a cooperation agreement to optimise regional potential and increase locally generated revenue through the Anyer–Panarukan 3R programme.

“I am absolutely convinced that the Anyer–Panarukan 3R programme will become a movement for the economy, culture, infrastructure and more,” Minister Yandri said at the programme’s launch at the Bank BJB Auditorium in South Jakarta on Sunday. The event was monitored online from Situbondo, East Java.

He explained that 3R stands for “road”, referring to the Great Post Road, which the programme aims to promote as a historical heritage site and a link between regions.

“The Anyer–Panarukan road (the Great Post Road) is a historical artefact that has played a vital role in the growth of Java’s economy to this day, so it needs to be revived through creative programmes,” he said.

He said the Anyer–Panarukan Festival would be more than a ceremonial event: it would be an opportunity to remember history while also stimulating the economy and culture.

On the occasion, Minister Yandri said the Great Post Road from Anyer in Serang to Panarukan in Situbondo stretches through thousands of villages with diverse characteristics, including agricultural areas, coastal and fishing communities, and tourism villages.