Jakarta (ANTARA) - Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono stated that the Red and White Village Cooperatives mark a new economic era for rural areas, as the program aims to restore the spirit of a people-based economy in accordance with the 1945 Constitution.
"We are seeking to restore the state's role in regulating the market so that it remains fair and beneficial for all business entities — namely state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the private sector, and cooperatives," he said at the Investor Daily Summit 2025 in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Juliantono noted that over the past few decades, markets have tended to be dominated by those with large capital. As a result, small-scale economic players such as cooperatives and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have often been left behind in accessing resources.
"We do not want the economy to be controlled by certain parties. The government is here to reorganize the ecosystem so that cooperatives and small and medium enterprises have equal opportunities to grow," he said.
The minister explained that cooperatives can play a key role in sectors such as food, renewable energy, and local tourism. With fiscal support and financing from the government, village cooperatives can become a sustainable driver of the rural economy.
According to him, there are still fundamental challenges in the operations of village cooperatives, particularly those related to data.
He noted that without accurate data, the government finds it difficult to map local economic potential and distribute assistance effectively. In addition, some villages still lack access to electricity and the internet.
In this regard, the Ministry of Cooperatives is accelerating the development of accurate and integrated data, which will serve as the foundation for the operations of village cooperatives across Indonesia.
The presence of comprehensive data is expected to support more focused and effective planning, making it easier for Red and White Cooperatives to address challenges in villages.
"We hope that with the support of accurate data and collaboration among all parties, village cooperatives can realize the ideals of the founding fathers in building a people’s economy," he said.
