"We must make the most of this opportunity with the networks we have," Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Minister Yandri Susanto told the press in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Susanto made this statement after attending the Exhibition of Ideas and Business Models for Blue Economy Development Innovation in Villages and Underdeveloped Areas with Blue Innovative Startup Acceleration (BISA).
Susanto further explained that his ministry is encouraging synergy with village-owned enterprises and village cooperatives to strengthen access to capital, technology, and marketing for products from blue economy development in villages.
"It is very easy for village cooperatives to get capital now, without collateral, at very low interest rates. Village-owned enterprises can also be supported by village funds for their capital," he remarked.
The minister also spoke of having instructed his staff to work out the technical details to ensure the synergy works optimally.
He stressed that an upstream-to-downstream approach is crucial to ensure that the management of blue economy potential in villages is not hindered by issues with marketing or capital.
He emphasized the need to ensure all products can be marketed effectively and that sufficient capital is available.
"If we have the products and the technology, but the village communities are not empowered, there will be no sustainability," the minister remarked.
Susanto expressed hope that by fostering synergy between village cooperatives, village-owned enterprises, and effective use of village funds, blue economy development would create new jobs for coastal communities, boost village incomes, and foster the communities' economic resilience sustainably.
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Translator: Tri Meilani, Raka Adji
Editor: Arie Novarina
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