Village cooperatives to support street vendors, MSMEs: minister
He made the statement after hosting representatives from the Association of Indonesian Street Vendors and MSMEs (APKLI) at the Ministry of Cooperatives office in Jakarta on Thursday.
“Our discussion focused on fostering an ecosystem that supports street vendors across Indonesia to collaborate with village cooperatives,” Juliantono said.
The minister highlighted that the government would mobilize KDMPs to supply essential goods to street vendors and grocery stores at more affordable prices while also supporting the sustainability of rural MSMEs.
“We will promote local MSME products through outlets operated by village cooperatives,” he remarked.
Furthermore, Juliantono noted that the KDMP program is designed to facilitate cooperatives in rural areas to partner with village-owned enterprises, small grocery stores, and traditional markets. The aim is to spur inclusive economic activities and growth for rural residents.
Meanwhile, APKLI Chairman Ali Mahsun expressed hope that the designation of village cooperatives as hubs for rural economies would lead to tangible benefits for the business community.
“Not retailers, village cooperatives are designed as hubs serving grocery stores and food vendors,” he said.
Mahsun added that the approach is expected to stimulate higher cash turnover within villages, thereby strengthening rural communities’ capacity to achieve greater economic independence.
In July 2025, President Prabowo Subianto simultaneously inaugurated around 80,000 cooperatives established under the KDMP program nationwide.
The program has 13 objectives, including empowering rural residents, generating jobs, improving access to commodities, and curbing inflation.
To support operations, the government in October brokered a pact between the military and state-run food company Agrinas Pangan Nusantara to develop facilities such as management offices, grocery outlets, clinics, and logistical infrastructure.
Earlier this month, Minister Juliantono confirmed the government’s target of completing facility construction for all 80,000 KDMPs by the end of this year. Development for about 20,000 is already underway.
“We can expect to see 20,000 cooperatives fully established by May,” he told the media in Jakarta on February 18, noting that about 1,000 cooperatives had already concluded construction.
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Translator: Arnidhya N, Tegar Nurfitra