“About 1,000 cooperatives are ready out of roughly 7,200 completed units, including warehouses, outlets and equipment,” he told reporters in Jakarta.
He said construction is being carried out by state food firm Agrinas Pangan Nusantara with support from the Indonesian military.
The government plans to center the launch in Nganjuk, East Java, following a meeting with senior officials, though the plan could still change.
Juliantono said construction is underway for about 25,000 cooperatives, with some expected to begin operations as soon as possible.
He said the rollout would proceed in stages, dismissing concerns of delays as only 1,000 units are ready for the initial launch.
On recruitment, he said around 30,000 cooperative managers are undergoing competency tests, with final results due on June 7.
Selected candidates will undergo military-style training, join reserve components, and receive managerial briefings before taking up roles.
President Prabowo Subianto launched the program to boost rural economies, create jobs, improve access to essentials, curb inflation and raise farmers’ incomes.
Each cooperative is expected to include a management office, warehouse, clinic, pharmacy and grocery outlet.
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Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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