"Let us prove that Indonesia is just, prosperous, and sovereign, not because of the power of a handful of individuals, but because of the collective strength of the people," he told ANTARA here on Friday.
On this year's 78th Cooperatives Day, Setiadi expressed hope for an increase in the number of people joining cooperatives, especially in the productive sector.
He stated that productive sector cooperatives can optimize the management of natural resources in a fairer and more prosperous way.
According to the 2023 performance report from the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises, Indonesia had 130,354 cooperative units. Of these, consumer cooperatives made up the largest group, with 71,315 units (55 percent), followed by 26,969 producer cooperatives (21 percent), 18,699 savings and loan cooperatives (14 percent), 9,114 service cooperative units (7 percent), and 4,257 marketing cooperative units (3 percent).
He also encouraged the formation of more cooperatives focused on innovation and technology, opening up promising business ecosystem opportunities for young people.
"Cooperatives must be adaptable, more agile, more innovative, and more accountable so they can provide greater benefits to their members and the community. Do not be left behind by the times," he emphasized.
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He also highlighted the strategic role of the Red and White Village Cooperatives as a platform for communities to break free from poverty and become centers of village economic activity.
The Red and White Village Cooperatives are expected to serve as centers for village production and distribution, as well as help reduce economic costs.
He viewed the Red and White Village Cooperatives not only as economic institutions but also as a people's movement aimed at farmers, fishermen, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.
"The Red and White Village Cooperative is a new path for the Indonesian economy, a debt to the history and ideals of this country, realized through all our efforts and full awareness," he concluded.
National Cooperative Day is observed on July 12th. On this year's commemoration, the government will launch the Red and White Village Cooperatives program.
The program is scheduled to be launched by Indonesian President Prabowo in Klaten, Central Java, on July 19, 2025.
To date, about 80,500 villages have established Red and White Village Cooperatives. Of that number, over 77 thousand have received legal entity status from the Indonesian Ministry of Law. Of these thousands of cooperatives, 103 are being used as pilot projects.
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Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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