Ministry of Cooperatives Ensures Every Budget Allocation is Used Effectively, Transparently, and Efficiently

The Ministry of Cooperatives (Kemenkop) has once again spoken out regarding the issue of a Rp 103 billion budget that was alleged to be intended for podcasts. Since this news emerged, Kemenkop has ensured that such claims are inaccurate.

Nevertheless, Kemenkop understands the public’s concern and believes a comprehensive understanding is necessary to prevent misinformation. The Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperatives, Ahmad Zabadi, emphasised that Kemenkop is very open to public criticism as part of its commitment to transparency and openness of information.

“However, every piece of circulating information needs to be viewed in its entirety, rather than through just one or two narrative fragments that have the potential to cause multiple interpretations,” said Ahmad Zabadi in a written statement on Thursday (3/9/2026).

Ahmad Zabadi ensured that the Rp 103 billion budget is a proposed additional allocation for a specific work unit with a broad range of functions. This includes requirements for public relations, public communication, documentation, publication, information technology, administration, and other infrastructure. Therefore, it is incorrect to claim that the budget is specifically only for podcasts.

“We need to convey that this Rp 103 billion is part of a proposed budget increase; it has not yet become the budget ceiling, let alone the definitive budget ceiling for the Ministry of Cooperatives for the year 2027,” said Ahmad Zabadi.

Ahmad Zabadi emphasised that public communication is a vital part of informing the community about what the government is currently doing and planning to do, including program objectives and benefits. Therefore, public communication must be conducted professionally, accurately, and in an easily understandable manner.

He added that Kemenkop will focus on programmes for community economic empowerment through cooperatives, including existing cooperatives—which number over 130,000 units—as well as the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (KDKMP), which is a National Strategic Programme (PSN). He expressed hope that, with the support of all parties, cooperatives can grow more solid, strong, and provide significant benefits to both members and the wider community.

“We will also continue to ensure that every use of the budget is carried out effectively, efficiently, transparently, and accountably, and above all, must yield measurable results,” he said.