Ministries Push to Transform Tourism Awareness Groups into Cooperatives

The Ministry of Cooperatives (Kemenkop) and the Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar) are strengthening their synergy to enhance regional tourism potential through the integration and transformation of Tourism Awareness Groups (Pokdarwis) into cooperative business entities. The initiative was marked by the launch of the ‘Integration and Transformation of Pokdarwis through Cooperatives’ programme at the Tanjung Kelayang Beach Pavilion in Belitung. Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono stated that the transformation aims to structure informal tourism management into a more organised, accountable, and competitive business model. ‘Through this, cooperatives will have easier access to financing, human resource capacity building, institutional and business assistance, as well as facilitation of tourism facilities and infrastructure from the government,’ he said in a written statement on Sunday. He added that the integration is expected to open greater opportunities for cooperatives to grow while providing direct benefits to the community. Ferry expressed confidence that the pilot project starting in Belitung Regency could strengthen the competitiveness of the local tourism sector. ‘The hope is that the transformation of Pokdarwis into cooperatives can become a new instrument for developing tourism activities and supporting businesses, with the benefits returning to the community,’ he remarked. The Ministry of Cooperatives will continue to provide assistance and guidance to ensure the cooperatives develop optimally. Business activities can also be collaborated with the Village/Sub-district Cooperatives (KDKMP) to strengthen the community’s economic ecosystem. Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana noted that the programme is being implemented in eight pilot tourism villages, including Belitung. She explained that while Pokdarwis has been the spearhead of village tourism development, it has lacked the legal standing of a business entity. ‘We want to build a tourism ecosystem that is not only attractive to visit but also increases community income. Through this integration, we hope to create a new chapter for tourism villages with strong institutions and prosperous communities,’ she said. Belitung Regent Djoni Alamsyah Hidayat affirmed the local government’s commitment to making cooperatives a new driver of the people’s economy. He called on village heads to view cooperatives as a real vehicle for creating jobs, not just an administrative formality. Djoni added that Belitung has a big dream to be known not only for its beautiful beaches but also for its advanced and healthy cooperatives. ‘With central government support, we are confident this will increase investor confidence and strengthen Belitung’s position as a world-class tourism destination,’ he concluded. The event also featured a declaration of commitment to the integration and transformation of Pokdarwis into cooperatives, signed by Pokdarwis chairpersons, KDKMP chairpersons, and relevant agencies in Belitung Regency.