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Langgam Pos - In a recent development, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has officially designated January 15 as Village Day, as outlined in Presidential Decree No. 23 of 2024 concerning Village Day. This decree was signed by Jokowi on Wednesday, July 31, with the establishment of Village Day specified in the second section of the decree.
The declaration establishes January 15 as Village Day, a special day to acknowledge the importance of villages in Indonesia. However, it is important to note that this day will not be a national public holiday. Jokowi has highlighted three key considerations behind this decision.
Firstly, villages play a crucial role as the local government units directly serving the community, encompassing a rich diversity of customs and traditions. They are pivotal in ensuring equitable distribution of welfare and reinforcing the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
Secondly, the designation of Village Day aims to strengthen the role of villages and enhance public understanding among all stakeholders. This day is intended to elevate the status of villages as central to development, community empowerment, and regional cultural growth, while also showcasing their progress. It serves as a reminder to all citizens that villages are the frontline units of government, closely connected with the people in maintaining the unity of Indonesia.
The third consideration is the enactment of Law No. 6 of 2014 on Villages, which comprehensively outlines the roles and status of villages within Indonesia’s governance structure. This law, enacted on January 15, 2014, marked a significant milestone by clarifying the legal status and ensuring legal certainty for villages in Indonesia, aiming to promote social justice for all Indonesian citizens.
By establishing Village Day, Jokowi emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating the integral role that villages play in the nation’s governance and development, reaffirming their position as vital components in fostering national unity and social equity.
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