Ministries Push to Transform Tourism Awareness Groups into Cooperatives
The Ministry of Cooperatives (Kemenkop), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar), is strengthening synergy to enhance regional tourism potential by integrating and transforming Tourism Awareness Groups (Pokdarwis) into cooperative business entities.
This step was marked by the launch of the ‘Integration and Transformation of Pokdarwis Through Cooperatives’ programme at the Tanjung Kelayang Beach Pavilion, Belitung. Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono stated that the transformation aims to transition tourism business management from informal structures to more organised, accountable, and competitive entities through cooperatives.
“In doing so, cooperatives will have easier access to financing, increased human resource capacity, institutional and business assistance, as well as government facilitation for tourism facilities and infrastructure,” he said in a written statement on Sunday (5/7/2026).
He noted that this integration is expected to create greater opportunities for cooperatives to grow while providing direct benefits to the community. He believes the pilot project initiated in Belitung Regency can strengthen the competitiveness of the regional tourism sector.
“The hope is that by transforming Pokdarwis into cooperatives, it can serve as a new instrument for developing tourism activities and supporting tourism-related businesses, the benefits of which will ultimately return to the community,” he added.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Cooperatives will continue to provide guidance and coaching to ensure cooperatives develop optimally. Cooperative business activities can also be collaborated with the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives (KDKMP) to strengthen the community’s economic ecosystem.
He expressed optimism that Belitung, as a pilot region, can develop into a premier destination for both domestic and international tourists. Consequently, the growth of the tourism sector is expected to boost regional income and improve the welfare of the community, particularly cooperative members.
“We from the Ministry of Cooperatives and the Ministry of Tourism will work together to support the Regent of Belitung and the entire community in Belitung to make this region increasingly competitive in its tourism sector,” he explained.
On the same occasion, Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana stated that the integration and transformation programme is being implemented in eight tourism villages, including Belitung, as pilot areas. She noted that while Pokdarwis has long been the spearhead of village tourism development, they have lacked legal status as business entities.
Therefore, cooperatives are expected to strengthen the community’s role, increase business capacity, and ensure that the added value of the tourism sector is felt by the local people. “We want to build a tourism ecosystem that is not only attractive to visit but also increases community income. We hope this integration marks a new chapter for tourism villages with strong institutions and prosperous communities,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Regent of Belitung, Djoni Alamsyah Hidayat, affirmed the local government’s commitment to making cooperatives a new driver of the people’s economy. He urged all village heads to view cooperatives as a tangible platform for job creation, rather than merely fulfilling administrative requirements.
Djoni added that Belitung aspires to be known not only for its beautiful beaches but also for its advanced and healthy cooperatives. “With support from the central government, we are confident we can increase investor confidence, stimulate the community’s economy, and strengthen Belitung’s position as a world-class tourism destination,” he concluded.
The event also included a declaration of the integration and transformation of Pokdarwis into cooperatives, marked by the signing of a joint commitment between the Chairpersons of Pokdarwis, the Chairperson of KDKMP, and relevant agencies in Belitung Regency.