Jakarta, Jan. 17 -- Deputy Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Veronica Tan has emphasized the importance of strengthening the role and participation of women in rural development across Indonesia.

"Women can play a crucial role. If empowered and given access, they can actively contribute to development initiatives. In fact, we have a large number of female farmers. I believe strong women are capable of strengthening villages and, ultimately, advancing our country," she remarked.

Tan made the remarks during an event marking the 2026 National Village Day in Butuh Village, Boyolali District, Central Java, according to a statement issued in Jakarta on Saturday.

She expressed confidence that Indonesian villages serve as st...