Minister of Villages Affirms Support for IPB University’s Doctoral Program in Rural Sociology

The Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, has expressed strong support for the Doctoral Program in Rural Sociology at IPB University’s Graduate School. He emphasized that the program plays a vital role in addressing the diverse challenges faced by villages across Indonesia.

Minister Yandri delivered his remarks virtually during the Accreditation Visitation of the Doctoral Program in Rural Sociology, held recently at IPB University’s Dramaga Campus.

“This program is indeed very important for Indonesian villages because each village faces different challenges. It also aligns with the sixth pillar of Asta Cita Prabowo–Gibran, namely building from the villages,” he said.

He further mentioned that the government currently runs numerous village-centered programs, such as Free Nutritious Meals (MBG), Red-and-White Village Cooperatives (KDMP), and Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes), alongside efforts to improve human resource capacity.

Communities themselves have also initiated movements such as Waste-Free Villages and Drug-Free Villages. “This is where experts are needed—to examine these dynamics from a sociological perspective so that we can better organize more than 75.000 villages across Indonesia,” Yandri added.

Minister Yandri also discussed the importance of rural development in Indonesia. He highlighted the need for rural sociology to help address rural issues and to prevent urban migration, a trend that has occurred in countries such as Japan and South Korea.

He emphasized the economic potential of villages to drive Indonesia’s national economy and expressed his support for strengthening village institutions, aiming to attract more university graduates to contribute to rural development.

The Minister of Villages PDT also commended several alumni of IPB University’s Doctoral Program in Rural Sociology who have made significant contributions within the Ministry of Villages, PDT, and Transmigration. He reaffirmed his commitment to further collaboration and dialogue with the program to advance rural progress.

“I truly believe that Rural Sociology today is highly relevant, strategic, and essential for Indonesia. Many young people whether they are in undergraduate, master’s, or vocational schools should aspire to pursue a Doctorate in Rural Sociology,” he remarked.

“I am ready to promote and campaign for IPB University’s Doctoral Program in Rural Sociology. I give my full, even thousand-percent support—especially since some of its alumni have played leading roles within the Ministry,” Yandri concluded. (*/RZ) (IAAS/RAS)