“The cooperatives have been established, but they are not yet operational,” Zulkifli told reporters in Semarang, Central Java.
Responding to criticism that one cooperative recorded only Rp78,000 in profit, equivalent to about US$4.80, he said the figure reflected its limited operations.
“Why did it make only Rp78,000 in profit? Because it has not started operating yet,” he said.
Zulkifli said many people misunderstood the role of the Red and White Village Cooperatives.
“The Red and White Village Cooperative is not a supermarket,” he said.
The cooperatives are designed as government infrastructure and offtakers that purchase products from local producers.
They will also distribute government social assistance to help ensure benefits reach intended recipients.
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Translator: Senjaya, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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