Minister values integration of tourism awareness groups and village cooperatives as aligned with KDKMP

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana has assessed that the integration of Tourism Awareness Groups (Pokdarwis) with village cooperatives is aligned with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive regarding the strengthening of the Red and White Village Cooperatives (KDKMP) as a people’s economic instrument that grows from the village. “This synergy is a strategic step so that destination development not only generates tourist visits but also provides broader, sustainable economic benefits that are directly felt by the village community,” Widiyanti said during the launch of the Pokdarwis Integration through Cooperatives in Belitung Regency on Sunday. Through a press release confirmed on Monday, Widiyanti stated that this step is also part of the implementation of the sixth Asta Cita, which is to build from the village and from the bottom up for economic equality and poverty eradication. Therefore, cooperatives are expected to serve as a platform to strengthen the community business ecosystem, expand access to financing, increase business capacity, and ensure that the added value of tourism returns to and is felt by the local community. “Through the integration of Pokdarwis with cooperatives, we want to build a tourism ecosystem that is not only attractive to visit but also provides prosperity for the community. Starting from the management of tour packages, homestays, to extraordinary culinary offerings,” said Widiyanti. “The integration of Pokdarwis with cooperatives is a strategic step to strengthen a professional, inclusive, and sustainable village tourism ecosystem, while affirming the village as an economic driver,” she said. On the occasion, she also explained that the Tourism Village Programme is a flagship of the Ministry of Tourism in strengthening community-based tourism. Tourism villages also serve as the front line in introducing Indonesia’s natural beauty, culture, and local wisdom to the world. Tanjung Binga Tourism Village won 1st Runner-up in the Nature-Based Tourism Village category at the 2025 Wonderful Indonesia Awards. Keciput Tourism Village was 3rd Place in the Advanced Tourism Village category at the 2024 Indonesian Tourism Village Award (ADWI), while Terong Creative Tourism Village won Runner-up in the Advanced Tourism Village category at the 2023 ADWI. Meanwhile, Belitung Regent Djoni Alamsyah Hidayat stated that the collaboration is a form of cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Cooperatives that needs to be jointly overseen with a shared vision and commitment from all stakeholders to deliver tangible results for the community.