He underlined that the ministry has verified the readiness of the cooperatives.
"Based on our data, a total of 321 cooperatives have been verified and recognized as well-established business entities that are prepared to support the program," he told the media after visiting an Islamic junior high school and a vocational high school in Malang District, East Java, on Tuesday.
Setiadi further emphasized that cooperatives are central to the successful execution of the MBG program, which has been declared a priority initiative by President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
The minister said that cooperatives can contribute to the meals initiative by supplying the necessary food materials and ingredients, such as rice, vegetables, meat, eggs, fruits, and milk.
"We are still collecting data on more cooperatives that are ready to supply raw materials for the MBG program," he added.
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He affirmed that the Ministry of Cooperatives is determined to empower an even larger number of cooperatives through the national program.
Furthermore, the minister called on all regional governments to pay closer attention to the development of cooperatives operating in their regions.
"It is important that regional governments guide the cooperatives operating in their regions," he said, while noting that cooperatives can be viewed as an instrument for improving the living standards of the people.
On February 12, 2025, Setiadi stated his commitment to doubling the number of Indonesian citizens registered as cooperative members from 29.8 million to around 60 million.
However, he did not specify a deadline for the realization of the target.
"We are aiming for quick results. I do not think it is necessary to set a specific year, as long as we can double the number from 29.8 million to 60 million," he told lawmakers at the Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta.
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Translator: Ananto P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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