Jakarta. Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Minister, Budi Arie Setiadi, held a meeting with President Commissioner of B-Universe, Enggartiasto Lukita, along with the board of directors at the Cooperatives Ministry office on Wednesday.

The meeting discussed steps to realize the government’s priority programs, one of which is the Red-and-White Village Cooperative program. The meeting began at 1:50 p.m. and lasted until 3:20 p.m.

After the meeting, Budi expressed his hope that the media industry could help promote the Red-and-White Village Cooperative program to the wider public.

“We hope to collaborate with all parties, especially the media, in disseminating government programs, particularly the Red-and-White Village Cooperative program,” Budi said.

According to Budi, the program can provide social and economic impacts for communities, especially in villages.

“This program not only brings access to capital closer to rural communities, but also provides access to technology, and helps encourage and shape villagers into resilient and independent entrepreneurs,” he explained.

Budi further explained that after being inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto in Klaten, Central Java, on July 21, the government is targeting 80,000 Red-and-White Village Cooperatives to operate comprehensively and effectively by the end of this year.

“We are targeting that by the end of 2025, all these cooperatives will be operating and serving communities in their respective villages,” Budi said.

So far, several Red-and-White Village Cooperatives are still running in the pilot phase. Budi emphasized that his ministry continues to coordinate with various ministries and institutions regarding financing schemes, business processes, and other technical aspects.

In the near future, the Ministry will intensify technical outreach related to the implementation of the Red-and-White Village Cooperatives for the community.

“We will conduct outreach on how to access capital through state-owned banks, as well as how to run businesses related to basic needs such as rice, groceries, fertilizers for villages, and LPG for the community,” he explained.

Budi hopes that the effective implementation of the Red-and-White Village Cooperatives can soon be realized. According to him, this flagship program of President Prabowo’s administration is eagerly awaited by the people. “Public expectations for the Red-and-White Village Cooperatives are very high,” Budi added.

He also called for support from all involved parties, ranging from ministries and institutions, provincial governments, media, to district and city governments, to jointly push this program forward so that its benefits can be felt by all citizens.

“We are pushing for these Red-and-White Village Cooperatives to operate nationwide as soon as possible and deliver real benefits to their members,” Budi concluded.

Currently, the ministry is still coordinating with various ministries and institutions on financing schemes, business processes, and other technical matters.