"Pesantrens can host cooperatives. We want economic centers to emerge in villages," he remarked at Asshiddiqiyah Pesantren in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He noted that the government has been working to establish and operate more Red and White Village Cooperatives in order to shorten the distribution chain of essential goods, ultimately making products more affordable for rural communities.
"This way, we aim to ensure villagers can obtain goods directly from producers. For example, people can purchase chickens or other staples at cheaper prices because we aim to simplify distribution chains," Hasan said.
The minister added that President Prabowo Subianto envisions the Red and White Village Cooperatives as a strategic tool not only to improve people’s welfare but also to promote empowerment and self-reliance.
"I support the distribution of social aid, but we cannot achieve progress if our people are not productive. Dignity comes not from dependence, but from work and productivity," he emphasized.
Hasan further underlined the importance of pesantrens taking an active role in advancing the cooperatives program as part of efforts to drive rural economic growth.
"I hope pesantrens can contribute to this initiative. Remember that this republic achieved independence partly thanks to the role of pesantren students. Therefore, it is important for pesantrens to emerge as drivers of rural economies in the future," he concluded.
On July 21, President Prabowo launched 80 thousand village cooperatives simultaneously in Klaten District, Central Java. While not all have begun operations, the government has designated several as pilot models.
Through these cooperatives, the government seeks to provide villagers with access to affordable essential goods and services, including groceries, fertilizers, cooking gas, medicines, health care, as well as savings and loans facilities.
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Translator: Asep F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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