DPR postpones discussion of Red and White Cooperative outlets due to need for synchronisation
Jakarta – The Deputy Chair of Commission VI of the Indonesian Parliament (DPR), Nurdin Halid, announced that the meeting regarding the development of retail outlets and the establishment of Village/Neighbourhood Red and White Cooperatives (KDKMP) has been postponed due to the need for further synchronisation in its implementation.
The postponement, he stated, will allow for more comprehensive discussion, particularly concerning accountability and programme effectiveness in the field. The commission has conducted field visits to several regions to directly observe developments in retail outlet construction and cooperative establishment.
“We have already conducted field visits to observe developments in retail outlet construction and village cooperative establishment,” Nurdin said at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Based on their field observations, Commission VI identified several matters requiring clarification from the Ministry of Cooperatives and the implementing company, PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara. These clarifications involve aspects of management, administration, and the effectiveness of retail outlet development in villages.
“There are villages with populations of only around 150 or 200 people, yet outlets have been placed there—this cannot possibly be effective and productive. Matters like these need to be synchronised with the Ministry of Cooperatives,” he stated.
Additionally, he noted that information had been received indicating that PT Agrinas Pangan will manage the retail operations for the first two years. This scheme, according to him, requires review as it is not considered fully aligned with village community expectations regarding cooperative management and cooperative principles themselves.
He noted that various inputs and protests from village communities have emerged regarding programme implementation. Nevertheless, he emphasised that Commission VI of the DPR continues to support the government programme provided its implementation aligns with original objectives.
“Commission VI strongly supports the President’s programme. However, in its implementation, it must not deviate from what the President and village communities expect,” he said.