The task force is expected to assist village chiefs in performing their duties, as well as to cooperate with regional leaders, and 19 ministries and state agencies under programs to expedite village development, said Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration Minister Eko Putro Sandjojo.

"We must follow up on every [alleged violation] and revamp coordination with law enforcement officers so that reports can be addressed to provide a deterrent effect [for perpetrators]. We should also warn other villages to avoid similar violations," Eko said in a statement on Wednesday, the same day as Bibit’s inauguration.

The task force, which is mandated under the Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration Ministerial Decree No. 50/2017, also comprises former members of the National Police, the Attorney General's Office, the Indonesian Military (TNI), academicians, as well as NGOs. 

Meanwhile, Bibit has vowed to lead the task force effectively by strengthening moral values and building a law-abiding culture in villages across the country.

"We will work to find the root causes of [violations] and we will evaluate them. After that, the internal task force will develop policies and strengthen the [monitoring] system," he said.

A report by the Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) released in January revealed that village funds were among the top five sectors prone to corruption.  (afr/ika)

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