Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s military has partnered with state-owned enterprise PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara to accelerate the development of Red and White Cooperatives across villages and urban areas nationwide.

The agreement was formalized Friday with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Vice Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) General Tandyo Budi Revita and Agrinas President Director Joao Mota at TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta.

“This cooperation is aimed at establishing the Red and White Village Cooperatives as quickly as possible so they can begin operating soon,” said Gen. Tandyo during the signing ceremony.

He added that the TNI will support the initiative by assisting with the physical development of the cooperatives and ensuring security during the implementation phase.

At the same event, Mota expressed his appreciation for the government’s trust in involving Agrinas in strengthening the rural economy.

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He emphasized the role of cooperatives as a vital engine of economic growth, particularly in agricultural communities.

“Cooperatives are crucial for supplying farmers with quality agricultural inputs and helping promote local produce,” Mota said.

He added that Agrinas shares the government's vision of boosting public welfare, especially in rural areas. “Now is the time to realize prosperity for the people,” he said.

Cooperatives Minister Ferry Julianto, also present at the signing, said Agrinas’s involvement supports the national goal of rapidly expanding the cooperative sector.

“This cooperation is in line with the president’s directive to establish 80,000 Red and White village cooperatives,” Ferry said.

He confirmed that the cooperative development program is scheduled to begin in October and expressed confidence in its smooth and timely execution.

Officials hope the Red and White Cooperatives will strengthen local economies, increase self-sufficiency, and serve as sustainable hubs for rural development.

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