Hasan highlighted that the government is committed to developing such a co-operative to assist dairy farmers in producing high-quality milk.
"Co-operatives genuinely deserve guidance and assistance, as I believe that they can compete even with major business entities," he remarked after reviewing the Bandung Utara Cattle Rancher Co-operative (KPSBU) on Thursday.
The minister noted that co-operatives had become an integral part of the people's business ecosystem that can grow from being a micro-enterprise to a medium-scale business and be connected to the national supply chain.
Moreover, he highlighted that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have been scoring a positive trend by contributing around 60 percent to Indonesia's gross domestic product (GDP).
"Co-operatives and small and medium industries have been the foundation of Indonesia's economy. For that reason, the Prabowo-Gibran incoming government is paying closer attention to such businesses that absorb 90 percent of the workforce and contribute 60 percent to the GDP," he stated.
Hasan also lauded the KPSBU for utilizing sophisticated technologies to process fresh milk produced by local farmers.
Meanwhile, VP-elect Gibran remarked that the next government led by him and President-elect Prabowo Subianto would make the most of the milk produced by Lembang farmers to ensure the successful implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals Program targeted at pregnant and breastfeeding women, toddlers, and schoolchildren.
"Milk is an integral part of the Free Nutritious Meals Program that we will soon roll out. If possible, we will not resort to imports since I believe that domestic milk production has been running well," he stated.
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Translator: Rubby J, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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