"The president wants people's businesses to advance, not just big companies in villages," he stated at the launch and dialogue during village deliberations for the village cooperatives' establishment in Sofifi, North Maluku, on Wednesday, according to a statement.
He added that since the establishment of village cooperatives began, the goal of village prosperity has become more attainable.
He affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that the communities become not just consumers but also producers and business players in meeting primary, secondary, and tertiary needs.
The deputy minister also noted that just like village-owned enterprises (BUMDes), the Red and White Village Cooperatives also prioritize the development of each area's potential, enabling each village to offer distinctive products.
He then cited North Maluku as an example, with its wealth of natural resources—from spices and nickel to marine products—which should be optimally utilized and marketed on a large scale.
So far, the establishment of the Red and White Village Cooperatives in North Maluku has been widespread, with village deliberations for their formation reaching 100 percent in the province.
On the same occasion, North Maluku Governor Sherly Tjoanda stated that this achievement results from collaboration and synergy among various parties, not only involving the central government but also village communities.
The Indonesian government seeks to establish as many as 80 thousand Red and White Village Cooperatives across the country.
The cooperatives are envisioned as hubs for economic and social services in village communities, offering savings, loans, clinic services, and more.
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Translator: Tri Meilani, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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