Nabire, Papua Tengah — Indonesia’s Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration (Mendes PDTT), Yandri Susanto, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening economic independence in Papua’s villages through the Integrated Village Economic Transformation (Tekad) program. He conveyed this message to the media at the Papua Tengah Governor’s Office yard in Nabire on Tuesday (Aug. 12, 2025).
Yandri explained that the Tekad program focuses on community empowerment and mentoring, including the provision of capital assistance, to help villages in Papua utilize local potential. “This program targets empowerment, mentoring, and capital support in villages by utilizing local resources to supply ingredients for nutritious school meals, in collaboration with MBG and the Merah Putih Village Cooperative,” he said.
The minister also stressed the importance of oversight in managing village funds, which he noted are significant in Papua. He highlighted that Papua receives nearly Rp6.3 trillion annually, with Rp1.1 trillion allocated specifically to Papua Tengah. “We call on regents and all stakeholders to ensure these funds truly benefit the people,” Yandri emphasized.
Beyond economic empowerment, village funds are also directed toward improving substandard housing and supporting early childhood education programs. “Step by step, we aim to address housing issues in Papua,” he added.
