Minister of Cooperatives Prepares LPDB Financing Access for Merah Putih Village Cooperatives in Mimika

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono has emphasised the central government’s commitment to strengthening capital support for the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (Kopdes) in Atuka Village, Mimika Regency, Central Papua, one of which is through the Revolving Fund Management Agency (LPDB). In a press release in Jakarta on Friday, the Minister stated that the sustainability of village cooperative businesses will no longer burden the Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD). He stated that the Ministry of Cooperatives through LPDB is ready to assist with management mentoring as well as access to financing and capital. In addition, the Minister is also encouraging the development of a distribution centre managed by a Regional-Owned Enterprise (BUMD), as well as permits for a diesel fuel filling station specifically for fishermen in the coastal areas of Central Papua. “This cooperative is not owned by the central government; it belongs to the people of Papua, to the people of Atuka. Our task is to help so that the people’s economy can grow and prosper,” he said. The Minister inaugurated the Merah Putih Kopdes in Atuka Village, Central Mimika District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province, on Thursday (9/4). He appreciated the initiative of the Mimika Regency Government which has built the cooperative facilities using APBD funds. Ferry stated that Mimika and Central Papua are ready to become pilot areas for the development of Merah Putih Village/Urban Village Cooperatives throughout Indonesia. He hopes that all residents of Atuka Village can join as cooperative members so that the economic benefits return to the local community. During the inauguration, Deputy Governor of Central Papua Deinas Geley expressed deep appreciation for the presence of the Minister of Cooperatives in Atuka Village, Mimika Regency. The Minister’s presence is seen as concrete evidence of the central government’s attention in strengthening synergy between the central, provincial, and regency governments. Deinas called this event a historic moment because for the first time a minister has set foot directly in that village. Deinas emphasised that the development of Central Papua Province must not only rely on large-scale investments but must be based on the strength of the people’s economy, one of which is through cooperatives.