Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperatives, Ahmad Zabadi, emphasized that cooperatives, as business entities based on the principle of mutual cooperation, have great potential to empower communities, especially in key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and small and medium enterprises. He stated that cooperatives not only improve members’ welfare but also play a crucial role in supporting local food production, agricultural distribution, and strengthening domestic markets. Furthermore, President Prabowo Subianto has shown strong support for cooperatives in driving economic self-sufficiency and food sovereignty, with plans to establish 70,000 Koperasi Desa Merah Putih across villages, launching on National Cooperative Day, July 12, 2025.
Zabadi stressed that this initiative should serve as a turning point for improving cooperative management, strengthening their role in the economy, and enhancing competitiveness in the global market. He highlighted that this vision can only be achieved through synergy between the government, businesses, communities, and key institutions, positioning cooperatives as the backbone of the people’s economy. More than just economic tools, cooperatives should act as drivers of sustainable socio-economic transformation. He also underscored the importance of collaboration, urging cooperative meetings (RAT koperasi) to reinforce active participation and support for the ministry’s priority programs.
