Communications Minister Reveals Digitalisation to Improve Cooperative Operations

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Communications and Digitalisation (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid stated that digitalisation is not merely the use of technology, but a concrete step to improve the way cooperatives operate. “Digitalisation must have a direct impact, making operations more efficient, expanding markets, and strengthening cooperative businesses,” said Meutya in an official statement received and confirmed in Jakarta on Saturday. She explained that the government is accelerating the digitalisation of Village Red White Cooperatives (KDMP) to strengthen the village-based people’s economy. The three main focuses being promoted include increasing business efficiency, integrating supply chains, and expanding market access for cooperatives and local business actors. She cited the Al Ittifaq Cooperative in Soreang, Bandung Regency, as an example of good practice. This cooperative has successfully integrated operations from upstream to downstream, from production to distribution. The digital system used helps with more accurate production planning, maintaining product quality, and speeding up distribution to the market. This model also ensures a stable supply and increases trust from business partners. The government is encouraging such practices to be replicated in various regions. With a digital-based management system, cooperatives can manage production, stock, and distribution in a more organised and measurable manner, enabling them to compete in wider markets. In addition, sustainability aspects are also a priority. Utilising production waste as livestock feed, along with strengthening local supply chains, has proven effective in reducing costs while increasing added value. To accelerate implementation, the government is promoting collaboration between advanced cooperatives and KDMP in various regions. This collaboration is crucial for speeding up knowledge transfer and strengthening cooperative institutions. Furthermore, the role of the younger generation is considered vital. Students, particularly from vocational high schools, are expected to get involved in cooperative digitalisation, from technology management to business model innovation. “The strategy is to expand proven good practices. Strong cooperatives will become the foundation of a resilient economy,” said Meutya. Meanwhile, the CEO of the Al Ittifaq Pondok Pesantren Cooperative, Setia Irawan, also affirmed that his organisation is focused on strengthening digitalisation. For him, digitalisation is a strategic step in improving farmers’ welfare while strengthening national food security. “We are opening opportunities for the younger generation to learn directly, creating superior and technology-adaptive agricultural human resources,” he said.