Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantoro praised the Central Java administration during the launch of the curriculum integration program on Friday.
He said Central Java had made history by becoming the first province to formally introduce cooperative education in schools.
According to Juliantoro, cooperative education is important to rebuild younger generations' understanding of Indonesia's Pancasila economic system.
He said cooperatives should not be viewed solely as savings and loan institutions but as business entities reflecting mutual cooperation and solidarity.
"It is important to introduce cooperatives because they can become alternative sources of jobs for millennials, Generation Z, young people and even Generation Alpha," he said.
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi said the program marked an important step toward introducing cooperatives to younger generations earlier.
He said cooperatives are mandated under Indonesia's Constitution and remain a pillar of the national economy.
"Cooperatives are mandated by the 1945 Constitution, especially Article 33. This program also aligns with the government's Red and White Cooperatives initiative," he said.
Luthfi said the program would not increase students' learning burden because cooperative materials would be integrated into existing subjects.
Elementary school students will learn basic cooperative values and mutual cooperation, while junior secondary students will study organization, management and benefits.
Senior secondary students will focus on cooperative practices and entrepreneurship, while special schools will adjust materials according to students' needs.
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Translator: Zuhdiar, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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