In a groundbreaking initiative to uplift rural communities, the ASEAN Village Network (AVN) aims to become a dynamic platform where villages across ASEAN member countries can share knowledge, experiences, and resources to enhance their well-being. Spearheaded by Minister of Village, Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration, Abdul Halim Iskandar, AVN serves as a powerful tool to strengthen villages in the face of various challenges, spanning economic, social, and environmental aspects.
“We envision the ASEAN Village Network as a catalyst for developing innovative strategies and policies to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities, both at the local and regional levels,” expressed Abdul Halim Iskandar during a press conference on Tuesday (July 25, 2023) at the opening and inauguration of the Senior Official Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (SOMRDPE) Indonesia at the Sheraton Mustika Hotel Yogyakarta (source: Kompas.com).
One of the prominent programs organized by AVN is the ASEAN Rural Culture Expo, which promises to be a captivating platform for showcasing and promoting outstanding village products. This initiative serves two purposes: preserving the cultural heritage and diversity of rural communities across ASEAN while empowering villages by showcasing their exceptional products at a regional level. The initiative also aims to foster rapid growth in villages, enabling them to make significant contributions to their respective nations and the overall progress of the ASEAN region. This event will see the participation of 10 ASEAN member countries, 9 representatives from the ASEAN Village Network (AVN) Indonesia, and 20 Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) from 4 districts in DIY Province.
The Rural Culture Expo will feature a Culinary Market, Exhibition of MSME products, music and dance performances, as well as local cultural displays represented by districts in DIY. To further enliven the event, Bina Desa will also showcase products from the collective business of the Rural Swabina Community (KSP) from 7 districts spread across Java and Sulawesi. This occasion aims to encourage cross-sector collaborations between KSP, BUM-DESA, and Local Governments, with the hope of creating synergy and competitiveness among villages in the future.
This expo is expected to be an extraordinary opportunity for villages to showcase their best products and proudly display their unique cultural identities (source: press release uploaded by Kemendesa-PDTT).
The Rural Culture Expo itself will take place on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Tebing Breksi, Sleman District, Yogyakarta, running from 09:00 to 21:00 WIB. The event will also feature renowned Indonesian artists. Exhibition booths can be found at BMDS 4 and BMDS 5 points. The expo is open to the public and free of charge.
With the ASEAN Village Network fostering dynamic growth and solidarity among village communities and stakeholders, it sets the stage for a brighter and more sustainable future for all. The hope is that the Rural Swabina Community can soon realize its vision of Swabina Villages. [/RF]
