Cooperatives Minister Ferry Urges Obor Mas NTT to Become National Pride

Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono attended a dialogue with the management of Merah Putih Village/Urban Cooperative (KDKMP) in Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Ferry emphasised the strategic role of cooperatives as a key instrument for strengthening people’s economy.

In his address at the headquarters of Obor Mas Credit Cooperative (KSP Kopdit), Ferry praised the Sikka Regency Government for initiating this dialogue to strengthen synergy in building healthy and sustainable cooperatives.

He stressed that KDKMP is designed to create productive economic centres at the village level to improve community welfare.

“Goods sold at KDKMP will prioritise locally sourced products,” Ferry stated in a written statement on Friday, 29 May 2026.

Ferry also urged Obor Mas Credit Cooperative to continue growing and become a national pride. He noted that with assets nearing Rp 2 trillion, Obor Mas has demonstrated cooperatives’ significant role in strengthening NTT’s community economy.

In Sikka Regency alone, 31 KDKMP development sites are currently underway. Ferry noted this shows cooperatives are becoming drivers of new economic growth at the village and urban levels.

Ferry also stressed the importance of professional, transparent, and accountable cooperative governance.

“Cooperatives must assist communities by strengthening productive businesses, improving financial literacy, and developing village enterprises,” he said.

Meanwhile, Acting Chair of Obor Mas Credit Cooperative Velerianus Samador expressed pride at being entrusted by the Cooperatives Ministry as a ‘mentor’ for KDKMP in NTT.

“We are proud to be entrusted as mentors. We hope this collaboration will help KDKMP develop as expected,” Samador said.

He added that from a total of 194 KDKMPs, they will map out which cooperatives to prioritise for initial mentoring.

“We are just starting and will identify which ones need mentoring most urgently,” he said.

The event was also attended by NTT Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, Sikka Regent Juventus Prima Yoris Kago, LPDB CEO Krisdiyanto, and members of Sikka Regency’s regional leadership.