Lowokwaru (malangkota.go.id) – Village Fund is a manifestation of the commitment of the government of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Jusuf Kalla (JK). The program is to implement the third Nawa Cita, namely building Indonesia from the periphery by strengthening regions and villages within the framework of the state.
That was what the Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration of Indonesia Eko Putro Sandjojo conveyed in an interactive dialogue entitled 'Community Development Based on the Leading Programs of the Ministry of Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration' in the context of the 36th anniversary of Unisma, Monday (27/3). According to him, the seriousness of the commitment is realized through the Village Fund budget which has increased significantly every year.
"In 2015, Village Funds were distributed at Rp 20,76 trillion with an average of Rp 280,3 million per village. In 2016, it increased to Rp 46,98 trillion with an average income of Rp 643,6 million per village. In 2017, Village Fund distribution increased again to Rp 60 trillion, with an average village income of Rp 800 billion. From that budget, it will be distributed to 74.910 villages, and the distribution of Village Funds has increased by 125%," explained Minister Eko.
Along the way, he said, the Village Fund has proven to have an influence on increasing economic growth and national labor absorption. "Data records that in 2016 the Village Fund contributed 0,9% to Gross Domestic Product (GDP)," he added.
In addition, Minister Eko continued, Village Funds also contributed 0,04% to national economic growth, and absorbed 2.331.235 workers. "Therefore, the use of Village Funds should be transparent and on target so that it can improve the welfare of the people in the village," he concluded. (say/yon)
