“KDMP serves as a tool for boosting rural economies, guiding village residents to improve their welfare, and become prosperous. To this end, we need full support from the public,” he remarked during a visit to Central Bangka District, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, on Wednesday.
During the visit, Setiadi reviewed the readiness of a KDMP in Namang Village, which has been designated as one of the 103 pilot models for the initial phase of the program’s implementation.
According to the plan, President Prabowo Subianto will launch all 103 model village cooperatives at a national event in Klaten, Central Java, on Monday (July 21).
Moreover, during the Central Bangka visit, Minister Setiadi inaugurated several business units of the Namang KDMP, including an LPG depot, a fertilizer warehouse, a staple goods store, a pharmacy, and digital financial services linked to state-run bank BRI.
He noted that 56 village cooperatives were declared ready to begin operations across the district and expressed hope that all would generate significant economic benefits for locals.
He then emphasized that each KDMP should demonstrate its ability to drive public productivity by tapping into the full potential of the natural resources of its respective host village.
“Each village in Indonesia has its own unique character and potential, and cooperatives are expected to explore and manage local natural resources,” Setiadi remarked.
In this context, the minister recommended that the Namang KDMP make the most of the tourism appeal of Pelawan Forest, which is also known for its honey-producing bees.
“The operators of the KDMP should be able to harness the potential of Pelawan Forest —not only as a tourist destination but also as a producer of honey— to directly boost local economic growth,” he stated.
Furthermore, he highlighted the need for active participation from local villagers in cooperative activities.
“Out of around three thousand villagers, at least 1,500 should become members of the cooperative,” he stated.
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Translator: Ahmadi, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
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