Government Partners with State-Owned Enterprises to Prepare Special Scheme to Strengthen Red and White Village Cooperatives
East Java – Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Kartiko Wirjoatmodjo, emphasized the government’s commitment, along with state-owned enterprises, to strengthening the Red and White Village/Sub-District Cooperatives (KDKMP) as a driving force for the people’s economy.
“We hope that cooperatives can develop businesses that align with their respective regional potentials, such as rice milling, ecotourism, and so on,” said Kartiko.
He added that the government, through state-owned enterprises, will provide captive business opportunities to cooperatives to meet the community’s basic needs at reasonable prices. As directed by the Task Force (Satgas), the disbursement of financing is targeted for completion by the end of September or at the latest by early October 2025.
“In the next six months to a year, the policy focus will be directed towards this. Therefore, village communities need to ensure the successful implementation of this business program before submitting it to state-owned banks,” he explained.
As a strategic partner of the government, PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BRI) has prepared a special financing scheme tailored to the characteristics and needs of village cooperatives. This scheme covers working capital and investment financing, from infrastructure procurement, business development, to managing the basic needs of village communities.
BRI Deputy President Director Agus Noorsanto emphasized that his company is ready to facilitate KDKMP administrators through training in preparing business proposals and assisting with the financing application process to Himbara banks.
“Of course, going forward, we will continue to collaborate with various parties, as it is a shared responsibility of relevant stakeholders to empower communities, including with regional cooperative offices,” Agus said.
Furthermore, Agus explained that the financing scheme offered by BRI is flexible and aligns with the cooperative’s business plan. For example, working capital can be used to procure goods such as fertilizer, LPG, or basic necessities.
Investment financing, meanwhile, can be directed toward warehouse construction, shop renovations, and even cooperative operational vehicles. This way, financing truly supports productive and sustainable business development.
The Deputy Regent of Sidoarjo, Mimik Idayana, who also attended the event, expressed his optimism. He believes the KDKMP can grow into an independent economic institution that increases the competitiveness of village communities.
“The KDKMP will become a driving force for the people’s economy with the support of state-owned enterprises (BUMN) and BRI. We hope this activity will be the first step for cooperatives to strengthen their competence and competitiveness going forward,” he said.
With the support of a special financing scheme and digitalized management, the KDKMP is expected to develop as an independent, productive, and modern local economic center.
[w.R]
