Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions is championing the leverage of local potential as a key driver of villages’ economic growth and poverty reduction.
According to Rosyid Althaf, secretary of the ministry’s Human Resources Development and Community Empowerment Agency, achieving village self-reliance requires more than just infrastructure development. It also hinges on economic empowerment that can create jobs and keep money circulating locally.
“The key is empowering the local economy so that money continues to circulate within the village,” Rosyid said during the Pos Depan podcast, monitored from Jakarta on Monday.
He pointed to Sekapuk Village in Gresik District, East Java, which transformed a limestone quarry area into a tourist destination, as an example of how leveraging local potential can drive economic activity.
Related news: Trade Ministry identifies 2,616 potential villages for export program
The area, previously known for its limestone terrain, was developed into the Setigi Tourism Village, attracting visitors and creating new economic activities.
He added that identifying or estimating a village’s potential is not enough. To truly become an economic driver for local residents, that potential must be actively managed through empowerment efforts and targeted program interventions.
Rosyid emphasized that village facilitators play a vital role in helping local communities identify and develop available resources while connecting villages with relevant ministry or agency programs.
He also stressed that development success ultimately depends on community participation, noting that government programs cannot yield optimal results unless residents actively take part in developing their local potential.
Related news: Prabowo urges unity across politics to eradicate poverty
Related news: Ministry encourages content creators to promote village potential
Translator: Tri Meilani, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2026