Minister: Sustainability Key to Cooperative Development

Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono has emphasised that implementing sustainability principles is a vital factor in the development of cooperatives, amid increasing business demands to pay attention to environmental, social, and governance aspects. “Sustainability is now important because it is an indicator for all business actors, including cooperatives. Sustainability is a concern for all of us, for human life and the environment,” Ferry said at the Best Cooperative Sustainability Performance Award 2026 event in Jakarta on Thursday.

He stated that cooperatives must continue to be encouraged to become healthy, transparent, inclusive, and technology-based business entities to be able to apply sustainability principles in their operations. He believes that adopting these principles will not only improve cooperative business performance but also strengthen member welfare and social cohesion within the community.

Furthermore, the minister asserted that the cooperative movement in Indonesia needs to continue solidifying its position as one of the main pillars of the national economy. He called on all stakeholders, particularly cooperative members, to make cooperatives a “big house” for the people’s economy that can create opportunities, improve welfare, and build Indonesia’s future.

During the event, Ferry presented The Best Cooperative Sustainability Performance Award 2026 to several cooperatives. In the large cooperative category, awards were given to KSP CU Pancur Kasih from Pontianak, Koperasi Astra from Jakarta, and KSP Kopdit Pintu Air from Maumere. The event also recognised cooperatives in other categories, including medium, developing, and the best women’s empowerment cooperatives, as well as pioneering Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (KDKMP).