"The submission of the Decree on the Legal Entity of the Red and White Village Cooperative is an important and strategic first step for the next steps," Setiadi noted in an official statement received here on Tuesday.
Furthermore, Minister Setiadi stated that KDMPs with legal status still require strong policy support and firm commitment from relevant stakeholders, including the cooperative management community.
"However, true independence will only emerge from the strong and unwavering determination of the community itself," he noted.
"We will strengthen it with honesty, a spirit of mutual cooperation, and fresh ideas," he affirmed.
The minister expressed optimism that through KDMPs, farmers could improve crop processing, fishermen could expand seafood marketing, and artisans could sell their handicrafts at fair prices.
He noted that the KDMPs in Nabire District, Central Papua, had recently been granted a Legal Entity Decree.
He expressed hope that every village would have a strong and independent cooperative that manages local potential, provides direct benefits to residents, and becomes a shared source of pride.
With the full support of tribal chiefs, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and the entire community, the minister said he believed KDMPs in Central Papua could grow strong.
"Our strength lies in our togetherness. Like sticks tied together, we can easily break them if we are alone," he affirmed.
He stated that the KDMPs were established through special village deliberations in all 1,200 villages and urban villages in Central Papua, including 81 in Nabire District.
Furthermore, he expressed hope that Nabire would serve as an example for other regions in implementing the program.
"Show that when the people, government, and traditional leaders work together, village independence is not just a dream, but can become a reality," he stated.
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Translator: Arnidhya Nur Zhafira, Martha Herlinawati Simanjunt
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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