Indonesia brings 10,070 village cooperatives into operation
“Today, Red and White Village Cooperatives begin operations simultaneously, and the president has instructed on-site monitoring for eight days,” he said during a visit to a KDMP facility in Bumisari Village, South Lampung District, Lampung Province.
Hasan said on Thursday that President Prabowo Subianto’s directive covers oversight of building conditions, the readiness of facilities and infrastructure, and operational schemes.
He added that the oversight must also involve governors, district heads, and mayors, as well as regional police and military leaders, who share responsibility for ensuring adequate supplies, facilities, and infrastructure.
The minister emphasized that the 10,070 cooperatives represent only part of the 28,000 units that have completed construction of their operational facilities and infrastructure.
He added that the government aims to bring around 35,000 village cooperatives into operation by the end of the year, with the ultimate goal of launching 80,000 KDMPs nationwide.
Hasan further acknowledged that ensuring the effective implementation of the large-scale national priority program is no easy task, stressing the importance of regular reviews and evaluations to address any shortcomings identified.
“This initiative involves numerous institutions and state-owned enterprises,” he affirmed.
Although he acknowledged shortcomings, Hasan cited the Bumisari KDMP as an example of progress, saying the cooperative has been providing a range of goods and services to local residents.
These include rice distributed under the government’s Food Supply and Price Stabilization program, cooking gas, medicines, fertilizer, postal services, electricity bill payments, and banking services.
“We admit that this is not yet perfect, and improvement takes time. However, our goal is to improve public welfare,” Hasan said.
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Translator: Ruth Intan, Tegar Nurfitra