Ministry of Development of Underdeveloped Regions Asked UGM to Develop Independent Villages

       Ministry of Development of Underdeveloped Regions of the Republic of Indonesia asked Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) to cooperate in developing independent villages through “Village Review” program. This program aimed to develop 32 thousands of 72 thousands Indonesian underdeveloped villages. “Our focus on the 100 Days Program is this Village Review. We work with UGM because until now it is known as the center for rural development,” said Minister of Development of Underdeveloped Villages, Ir. Helmy Faishal Zaini, in his official visit to UGM, Thursday (7/1/2010) at Multimedia Room, UGM Main Office.

      
According to Helmy, in Village Review program, the government attempts to reduce poverty through electricity goes rural program using solar cell energy, micro-hydro and other alternative energy. In addition, there is  the construction of main roads between village and village market. “We want to encourage people to make village as the center of economic development,”  he added.

      
Helmy said that involvement of higher education is very important in village development. Through a synergy,  independent village is expected to emerge as support and buffer for other underdeveloped regions. Helmy also mentioned the “Village of Heroes” program  as one of the Ministry’s programs had succeeded in increasing community income. “It has been done in several villages; one of them was in Garut, West Java . Formerly, each family  only had income worth 11 thousands rupiah/day. Today the income reaches 22 thousands rupiah,” he said.

      
Meanwhile, UGM Rector, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi M.Eng, Ph.D., welcomed the invitation to support the Ministry’s program. According to the Rector, UGM students had been involved in the development of underdeveloped regions through KKN PPM program conducted throughout Indonesia, from Aceh to Papua. “This cooperation supports UGM’s vision to always dedicated itself for national  interest and prosperity,” he said.

      
Head of UGM Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM), Prof. Dr. Ir. Danang Parikesit, M.Sc.,  explained UGM’s 40 years of experience in community empowerment. He mentioned that the underdeveloped regions  have their own sustainable problem and solution arrangements. “Each year, there are 6,000 students being involved in KKN PPM in community empowerment program,” said Danang.