Cooperatives Minister Visits Bung Hatta's Home, Vows to Continue Cooperative Struggle

Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono, accompanied by Deputy Minister Farida Farichah, visited the home of Bung Hatta on Jalan Diponegoro No. 57, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Sunday. The visit was a form of respect and appreciation for Bung Hatta and his family for their crucial role in laying down the principles of cooperatives in Indonesia, which are still upheld today. The visit was part of a series of events commemorating the 79th National Cooperative Day, which falls on 12 July 2026. The Minister and Deputy Minister were welcomed by Bung Hatta’s children: Meutia Hatta, Gemala Hatta, and Halida Hatta, as well as Meutia Hatta’s husband, Professor Sri Edi Swasono, and academic Rocky Gerung. Minister Ferry stated that the visit was not merely a social call, but also a reminder of Bung Hatta’s service, exemplary character, and grand vision to make cooperatives a people’s economic power that must be glorified amidst various challenges and capitalism. ‘In line with President Prabowo Subianto’s wishes, we are now asked to restore the direction and practice of our economy so it does not shift towards a liberal capitalist ideology, but returns to the ideology of the 1945 Constitution, specifically Article 33, which concerns cooperatives,’ he said. The Minister confirmed that the Ministry of Cooperatives, the National Cooperative Council, regional governments, and various stakeholders are working together to realise Bung Hatta’s vision of cooperatives growing into the pillar of the national economy. One of the key initiatives being championed is the Koperasi Desa Kelurahan Merah Putih programme. He added that the 79th National Cooperative Day commemoration should serve as a momentum to remind people across Indonesia that cooperatives are the only economic system aligned with the Pancasila ideology and the 1945 Constitution. ‘This is not a light task, but the Ministry of Cooperatives, together with the entire cooperative movement, will be at the forefront of re-establishing this economic ideology,’ he said. In an effort to ensure the cooperative movement, including the KDKMP programme, runs well, the Minister sought support from various parties, including Bung Hatta’s entire family. The encouragement and spirit continuously echoed by Bung Hatta’s children and grandchildren are important capital for realising the Proclamator’s ideals. ‘We know very well that all of this requires support from all parties and the ability to translate Bung Hatta’s great thoughts so they are implemented properly in a technocratic manner,’ he said. Meanwhile, Meutia Hatta appreciated the presence of the Minister and Deputy Minister at Bung Hatta’s home. For her, their presence is proof that the government, particularly the Ministry, continues to regard Bung Hatta as the main figure behind efforts to advance cooperatives in Indonesia. ‘We express our deepest gratitude to the Minister, who has come here twice in different positions. Hopefully, the journey of cooperatives, which has faced many obstacles, will ultimately benefit the people,’ said Meutia. She also appreciated the KDKMP programme, whose development and operationalisation are currently being accelerated. She believes the foundational cooperative thinking initiated by Bung Hatta remains highly relevant for implementation today. ‘From the beginning, Bung Hatta cared about humanity; since childhood, he knew suffering. In essence, suffering shaped his character, and that character produced his thoughts on cooperatives,’ she said. At the same time, Professor Sri Edi Swasono also appreciated the Ministry’s consistent efforts to popularise cooperatives within society. He highlighted the upcoming Fun Run and Car Free Day event scheduled for the following week as part of the 79th National Cooperative Day series. According to him, the strategy of grounding cooperatives through activities that attract broad public attention should be encouraged. ‘We feel honoured that the Minister came here, as no previous Minister of Cooperatives has done so. The plan for the Fun Run is great; our people enjoy a healthy walk, and through it, cooperatives can be introduced and popularised again,’ he said.