Minister Touts Rise of Creative Cooperatives for Content Creators and Animators

Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono has stated that interest in cooperatives among the younger generation is increasing, marked by the emergence of cooperatives operating in the creative economy sector, such as those for content creators, animators, and millennial farmers. Speaking during a public lecture at HKBP Nommensen University in Medan on Wednesday, Ferry said the Ministry of Cooperatives has received registrations for several cooperatives initiated by young people. He noted this development indicates improving literacy about cooperatives among the youth. “We are currently receiving cooperative registrations ranging from content creator and animator cooperatives to others. Even here at HKBP Nommensen University, there is a student cooperative. We are ready to provide assistance so it can grow bigger,” Ferry said, as quoted from a ministry press release. According to Ferry, cooperatives remain highly relevant to the times, including for Generation Z and millennials. The cooperative model is also seen as a vehicle for creative economy players to strengthen their businesses and enhance competitiveness. The ministry, he continued, is ready to provide mentoring, guidance, and facilitation for established cooperatives, including those formed by young people. Beyond encouraging the birth of new cooperatives, Ferry also invited young people to play a role in the operations of the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives (KDKMP), a strategic government programme. As of 27 July 2026, data from the Merah Putih Village Cooperative Information System shows that 83,382 KDKMP have been formed across Indonesia. However, most of these cooperatives are still in the development stage and do not yet all have business outlets, warehouses, or other supporting facilities. As an initial phase, around 1,000 KDKMP in Central Java and East Java have begun operating various business units. Ferry stated that the seven business units to be managed by KDKMP open opportunities for university graduates to develop their skills while contributing to community economic empowerment. He added that the operationalisation of KDKMP still requires continuous refinement to suit the potential and needs of each region. He expressed hope that universities can contribute through mentoring and providing input in the development of these cooperatives. He also appreciated the commitment of HKBP Nommensen University, which declared its readiness to support the development of KDKMP in North Sumatra.