Encouraging Young Generation's Role in Championing Village Economic Lifeblood Through Cooperatives

The Association of Indonesian Regencies (Apkasi) is committed to equipping the finalists of Putri Otonomi Indonesia (POI) 2026 with strategic economic insights. This concrete step was demonstrated by Apkasi bringing the 29 finalists for a direct audience with Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono at the Ministry of Cooperatives office in Jakarta on Wednesday (3/6/2026). The visit, initiated by Apkasi, aims to align the role of young people in the regions with the central government’s flagship programme, particularly in reviving the economic lifeblood of villages through cooperatives. Apkasi Executive Director Sarman Simanjorang explained that the move to bring the finalists closer to the Ministry of Cooperatives is a responsive effort towards the grand vision of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. “We know that cooperatives are one of President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship programmes. By coming and meeting directly with the Minister of Cooperatives, Apkasi hopes to add in-depth insight for the finalists, to then be disseminated to the general public in their respective regions,” said Sarman Simanjorang. Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono welcomed Apkasi’s initiative. He assessed that the event held by Apkasi is very strategic for introducing the Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih Cooperative Programme (KDKMP) to the younger generation, especially millennials and Gen Z. According to Ferry, the image of cooperatives must be deconstructed to become closer to young people and understood as a modern instrument capable of delivering real benefits. KDKMP is projected to become a centre of economic activity at the grassroots level that can create jobs, shorten long distribution chains, and strengthen community economic self-reliance. “I believe the POI finalists chosen by Apkasi have an important role in bringing the spirit of change and progress. I invite all finalists to help introduce KDKMP to the wider community. The winner of POI 2026 must later become a cooperative ambassador in their respective regions,” said Ferry enthusiastically. Ferry also appreciated Apkasi for the collaborative bridge that has been built. “Frankly, we feel honoured by this visit and the established relationship. I hope this becomes the beginning of a mutually reinforcing strategic cooperation between the Ministry and Apkasi, for the maximum benefit of the people throughout Indonesia,” he added. Present accompanying the Apkasi ranks at the audience were Ministry of Cooperatives Secretary Ahmad Zabadi and staff, the Putri Otonomi Indonesia Foundation team, and POI 2025 winner Salsa Melania Aquina. Before engaging in a dialogue about the people’s economy at the Ministry of Cooperatives, Apkasi also equipped the 29 finalists with public communication and media skills. The group of finalists had the opportunity to visit the TV One studio in the Pulogadung area, Jakarta, to try their talents as journalists and television presenters. Sarman Simanjorang added that this multidimensional briefing is expected to shape the character of Putri Otonomi winners who are not only intellectually intelligent but also adept at voicing regional potential. “Through the POI 2026 event, Apkasi once again proves that regional autonomy is not just a matter of governance, but also about preparing young human resources ready to become the driving force for the national economic revival from the villages,” he concluded.