Indonesian Minister Urges Eid Home Comers to Drive Rural Economic Revival

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia’s Minister for Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions, Yandri Susanto, has called on Eid home comers to use the festive season as an opportunity to boost rural economies and support sustainable development.

Speaking during a discussion with journalists at an iftar gathering on Monday evening, the minister emphasized that the annual mass return to villages should go beyond social visits and serve as a catalyst for economic growth.

“We hope that these social visits can spark optimism. Homecomers, God willing, will bring money to their villages, so local economic activities are bound to rise,” he said.

To enhance local economic circulation, Susanto encouraged migrant workers and urban residents returning to their hometowns to prioritize purchasing locally made village products as souvenirs.

“Before returning to the city, we suggest buying village products as gifts. Bring them to the city, so this becomes a moment of economic revival in the villages,” he added.

Beyond economic contributions, the minister highlighted the importance of knowledge-sharing between urban and rural communities. He urged homecomers to provide guidance, literacy and practical solutions to help address challenges faced by villages.

“At the very least, they can provide encouragement and literacy on how a village can be properly developed. City dwellers will be awaited by villagers for their experiences and the solutions they offer to accelerate collaboration,” he said.

Susanto noted that the initiative aligns with the development vision of Prabowo Subianto under the Astacita missions, which aim to strengthen national progress by prioritising rural development.

He stressed that villages are no longer seen as passive recipients but have emerged as key drivers and central actors in Indonesia’s national development strategy.