West Aceh Brings Public and Health Services to Remote Villages

RRI.CO.ID, Aceh Barat - The West Aceh Regency Administration in Aceh Province has shifted its administrative focus directly to the grassroots by launching a "one-day mobile office" initiative in the remote village of Drien Sibak, Sungai Mas Subdistrict.

This strategic move aims to bridge the geographical gap between the authorities and isolated communities. It ensures that essential public services and healthcare reach those living far from the urban center of Meulaboh.

During the visit on Friday, March 6, 2026, West Aceh Regent, Tarmizi, emphasized that the administration's presence in the field is vital for understanding the immediate needs and aspirations of citizens living in the periphery.

Beyond administrative tasks, the initiative served as a platform for economic advocacy, with Tarmizi urging residents to pivot toward self-sufficiency amid a tightening fiscal climate. He encouraged the community to transform their home backyards into productive gardens for crops like chili, tomatoes, and various vegetables to reduce dependence on city markets.

"We must start being independent. Do not let every vegetable need be bought in Meulaboh City, just plant them around the house," remarked Tarmizi, as quoted by Antara.

He noted that the region is currently navigating significant budget efficiencies. The fiscal reality was a central theme of the discussion, as the Regent addressed the substantial decrease in village fund allocations across the regency.

While some villages previously managed budgets of up to IDR 1 billion (USD 58,952), the average annual allocation has now tightened to between IDR 300 million (USD 17,685) and IDR 500 million (USD 29,476). Tarmizi underscored that available funds must be utilized with precision, prioritizing essential programs over non-urgent activities to ensure that limited resources still yield a meaningful impact for the village's development.

The visit also prioritized public health and social integrity, marked by the deployment of a medical team to treat elderly residents suffering from chronic conditions. Patients such as Jauhari (62), Abdur Rajab (61), and Niah (52) received check-ups for various ailments, including hypertension, diabetes, and stroke.

Simultaneously, Tarmizi officially designated Drien Sibak as a "Model Village," declaring it a zone free from drugs, gambling, online betting, and stunting. The event concluded on a communal note with the donation of prayer equipment to the local mosque, reinforcing the government's support for the spiritual and social fabric of the remote community. ***