Minister strengthens guidance for 130,000 cooperatives to boost national economy

Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono has stressed that the government continues to strengthen the guidance of around 130,000 cooperatives so that they become more professional, independent, and able to contribute to national economic growth.

According to Ferry, the Ministry of Cooperatives is responsible for guiding the hundreds of thousands of cooperatives that are already operating in various regions of Indonesia.

“The Ministry of Cooperatives has a responsibility to guide other cooperatives that are already existing. There are around 130,000 cooperatives that are the responsibility of the Ministry of Cooperatives,” Ferry said at the 2026 Cooperatives Awards in Jakarta on Thursday evening (20/8).

According to Ferry, stronger guidance is needed so that cooperatives can improve their institutional quality, governance, and competitiveness, thereby gaining greater trust from members and the wider public.

Ferry said cooperatives must be able to serve as an instrument for consolidating the community’s economic potential so that they add value to economic development in various regions of Indonesia.

He believes cooperatives have a significant opportunity to strengthen the national economy if they can improve professionalism and expand services to members in line with the needs of the times.

“We want cooperatives to be present close to the community and also to become a tool for consolidating the community’s potential, including through the President’s programme, which includes the national priority programme on the Red and White Village Cooperatives,” Ferry said.

He expressed hope that cooperatives can increase collaboration with state-owned enterprises and the private sector so that a stronger and mutually supportive business ecosystem is created.

According to him, strengthening cooperatives will enlarge the sector’s contribution to national economic growth while expanding economic benefits for communities across Indonesia.

Ferry called on the entire cooperative movement to continue strengthening professionalism, independence, and innovation so that cooperatives can become an important pillar of inclusive and sustainable national economic development.