In a press release issued by the Ministry of Cooperatives on Saturday, Deputy Minister Ferry Juliantono said that buildings formerly used by ministries can also be repurposed for cooperative use.
“Regional governments should immediately inventory all existing government assets and submit a report and proposal to the central government," he said.
He emphasized that cooperatives are not required to construct new buildings right away, as the priority is to make use of existing government-owned facilities.
On the business model, Juliantono explained that each cooperative will be granted exclusive rights to distribute subsidized products such as 3-kilogram LPG canisters and fertilizers. Financial services from state-owned and regional banks will also be included.
Juliantono expressed optimism that the government's Red and White Village Cooperatives program will strengthen the ecosystem for small businesses in rural areas.
"We are building better ecosystems. We've been tasked with developing training schemes and modules," he said.
He noted that the Ministry of Cooperatives is preparing various resources to ensure cooperatives can begin operations in October, including setting up office facilities.
The ministry is also developing 80 cooperative business models, expected to be completed by July.
President Prabowo Subianto has instructed relevant ministries to accelerate the establishment of 80,000 village cooperatives. These cooperatives are envisioned as hubs for economic and social services, offering savings, loans, and clinic services, among others.
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Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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