Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Ferry Juliantono has invited the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) to become a strategic partner for the Red and White Village and Urban Cooperatives (Kopdes/Kel Merah Putih) across Indonesia.

The partnership will focus particularly on the industrial and mining sectors.

Ferry expressed confidence that collaboration between Kadin and Kopdes Merah Putih could become a powerful grassroots economic movement, especially in strengthening the cooperatives’ operations in rural areas.

“I believe that collaboration with Kadin will create a stronger movement, particularly in the operational implementation of Red and White Village Cooperatives,” he said during the Monthly Economic Diplomacy Breakfast (K-MED) event organized by Kadin Indonesia in Jakarta on Friday.

He expressed hope that Kadin would assist the cooperatives in providing post-harvest equipment such as dryers and controlled-atmosphere storage facilities to help improve efficiency and product quality for cooperative distribution.

Ferry also proposed that Kadin act as a “foster brother” for cooperatives, particularly in managing mining and oil sectors.

This follows the issuance of Government Regulation (PP) No. 39 of 2025, which allows cooperatives to manage mineral mining areas of up to 2,500 hectares.

“Now, cooperatives are permitted to manage up to 2,500 hectares of mineral mines. So, don’t be surprised if by next year many cooperative members are already like Kadin entrepreneurs,” he said.

Although the regulation opens significant opportunities, Ferry acknowledged that many cooperatives still face limitations in managing the mining sector.

Therefore, he encouraged Kadin to establish partnerships and provide guidance to help cooperatives operate professionally and sustainably.

“So far, poverty pockets are often located around natural resource areas. Community-based cooperatives have great potential to foster social independence and empathy toward economic challenges,” he added.

Ferry emphasized that Kadin’s support is crucial for cooperatives to catch up with state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and the private sector in terms of assets, business volume, and community participation.

Responding to the invitation, Kadin Indonesia Chairman Anindya Bakrie expressed readiness to partner with Kopdes Merah Putih, reaffirming Kadin’s role as a strategic government partner in driving national economic development.

“Kadin represents SOEs, cooperatives, and MSMEs. We are ready to support Kopdes Merah Putih. Its presence is also part of Kadin’s trade missions abroad,” Anindya said.

He added that Kadin has implemented various programs such as affordable market initiatives in several regions and is ready to expand cooperation with Red and White Village Cooperatives nationwide.

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