Manokwari, KBRN – The central government continues to strengthen the role of cooperatives as drivers of village economies, including in West Papua. Deputy Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs (Wamenkop) Ferry Juliantono conveyed this commitment after attending the Dialogue on Accelerating the Establishment of Mock-Ups and Monitoring of Merah Putih Village Cooperatives at Aston Hotel Manokwari, Saturday (28/6/2025).
According to Ferry, the establishment of Merah Putih Village/Kelurahan Cooperatives aligns with Presidential Instruction Number 9 of 2025. The government not only facilitates the formation of cooperatives but also prepares various training programs to improve the managerial skills and financial literacy of cooperative administrators.
“We have prepared business models, training centers, and cooperative trainers. Starting in October, every cooperative must receive regular assistance, with evaluations conducted every six months to one year,” Ferry explained.
He stated that the training would involve regional agencies, national banks, and regional development banks.
Ferry also highlighted challenges related to the limited number of notaries in West Papua. To address obstacles in legalizing cooperatives, the government is open to bringing in notaries from other regions.
“If a certain area doesn’t have a notary, we can bring one in from another region to ensure the acceleration process continues,” he said.
Regarding cooperatives that do not yet have their own office buildings, Ferry suggested that they could utilize government-owned facilities, whether owned by villages, regencies/cities, or relevant ministries.
“Available funds should ideally be allocated for working capital rather than physical construction so that cooperatives can begin operations immediately,” he emphasized.
As an initial step, two pilot village cooperatives will be launched in West Papua this coming July, one focused on agriculture and the other on fisheries, in line with local potential.
“West Papua has significant potential in agriculture, horticulture, livestock, and fisheries. Village cooperatives will serve as a means to maximize these resources,” said Ferry.
Furthermore, Ferry explained that physical infrastructure development remains the responsibility of local governments through the regional budget (APBD) and village funds. However, village cooperatives are expected to become a new economic engine at the village level, helping to promote equitable welfare.
“Cooperatives are a tool for the economic struggle of the Papuan people. Village residents must become economic actors, not merely objects. We will provide them with direct access to the central government,” he asserted.
He added that marketing and digitalization efforts would be gradually implemented once cooperative economic activities are established and stable. (Elko)
