At the 79th National Cooperative Day, President Prabowo Reaffirms Cooperatives as the Key Pillar of People’s Economy
President Prabowo Subianto attended the peak commemoration of the 79th National Cooperative Day held at Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, on Sunday (07/12). Carrying the theme of “Empowered Cooperatives, Prosperous Indonesia”, the event served as a momentum to strengthen the role of cooperatives as a key pillar of the people’s economy and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to accelerating the development of Red and White Village/Sub-district Cooperatives.
The event began with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, Indonesia Raya, followed by a prayer led by Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar. The event then continued with a report from the Chairperson of the Indonesian Cooperative Council (Dekopin), Bambang Haryadi, who stated that the 79th National Cooperative Day marked a milestone in the cooperative movement’s resurgence after cooperatives had not received the level of attention as mandated by the constitution for almost three decades.
“The 79th National Cooperative Day became a resurgence momentum for the cooperative movement in Indonesia. We believe that under the leadership of President Prabowo, cooperatives will become one of Indonesia’s people’s driving key pillar,” said Bambang.
Meanwhile, Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono expressed his appreciation for President Prabowo’s attendance, describing it as a source of encouragement for all cooperative members and stakeholders across Indonesia. Ferry also reaffirmed that the theme of “Empowered Cooperatives, Prosperous Indonesia” reflected the Government’s commitment to strengthen cooperatives as implementation of Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia.
In his report, Minister Ferry outlined the progress of the Red and White Village/Sub-district Cooperatives program, which continued to show significant progress. To date, 83,000 cooperatives have obtained legal entity status, while the construction of supporting infrastructure is also progressing.
“A total of 83,000 of Red and White Village/Sub-district Cooperatives have obtained legal entity status. In addition, 15,845 cooperatives have fully completed their physical facilities, including warehouses, retail outlets, and supporting equipment, while construction is currently underway for another 19,530 cooperatives. This brings the total to approximately 35,000, Mister President. Insha Allah, in line with the end of the training and education program for the managers of village cooperatives, which is scheduled to end in the first week of August, they will be assigned to all Red and White Village/Sub-district Cooperatives whose physical facilities, warehouses, retail outlets, and supporting equipment have been completed,” stated Minister Ferry.
In his remarks, President Prabowo extended his congratulations to all members and stakeholders of Indonesia’s cooperatives. The Head of State also shared his emotional bond with the cooperative movement, which has long been an integral part of his service to the nation.
“I would like to extend my congratulations on the 79th National Cooperative Day to all members of Indonesia’s cooperatives wherever they are. Today is a joyful day for me. I see the faces of cooperative figures who have fought for many years. I have fought alongside many of you in several cooperatives,” said the President.
President Prabowo also emphasized that cooperatives are not merely an economic organization, but an integral part of his lifelong commitment to improving the welfare of the Indonesian people.
Ladies and gentlemen, I feel that I am among my own family here. Cooperatives have always felt like my family,” stated the President. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of the Presidential Secretariat) (TCUD/LW)
