Village Cooperatives Expected to Become a Real Economic Driver

The General Chairman of the Central Board of the Indonesian Village Consultative Body Association (PABPDSI), Fery Radiansyah, continues to demonstrate his central role as a consolidator of village struggles at the national level. This step was evidenced during the National Seminar on Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives (KDKMP) in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Tuesday. The event is part of a major effort to consolidate village power through collaboration between 10 national village organisations and the Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Kemendes PDT). Fery views the KDKMP as a significant opportunity to build a new economic ecosystem that grows from the grassroots. He stated that the implementation of this strategic programme must be overseen seriously, transparently, and in favour of the community’s interests. “KDKMP must not just be present as a name, a building, or an administrative programme. This cooperative must become a new, living economic force, managed professionally, and provide real benefits to village communities,” Fery said in a statement on Wednesday. He added that the success of KDKMP cannot be solely placed on the government. Its success requires the active involvement of village heads, Village Consultative Bodies (BPD), village officials, facilitators, local business actors, community leaders, and all elements of village organisations. Fery acknowledged that the journey of fighting for village interests is not always straightforward. Major challenges often arise from differing interests, organisational dynamics, and national policy pressures. However, he continues to encourage inter-organisational relations not to become trapped in weakening competition. He stressed the importance of managing differences in identity and organisational interests, turning them into collective energy to oversee the major agenda of village development. The National Seminar on KDKMP in Makassar serves as tangible proof that various elements of village power can be brought together at one table of struggle. This forum is expected to produce a common vision and concrete steps to make KDKMP a pillar for strengthening the people’s economy as well as an instrument for accelerating poverty alleviation. Under his leadership, PABPDSI has affirmed its commitment to continue overseeing the aspirations of BPDs and village communities critically and constructively. PABPDSI refuses to be merely a spectator or a complementary part of policy.