Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono has invited the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) to become a strategic partner in providing agricultural production equipment for Indonesian farmers. The meeting took place in Jakarta with CCPIT representatives and village cooperative leaders. This collaboration is expected to strengthen the Kopdes Merah Putih ecosystem and boost food production.
In Jakarta last Friday, Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono met with Li Feng from CCPIT Indonesia and Portasius Nggedi, Chairman of the Village Unit Cooperatives Parent Organization (KUD). The meeting discussed partnerships for supplying modern agricultural technology and equipment, seen as capable of enhancing farmers' output while strengthening Kopdes Merah Putih operations.
Ferry stressed the importance of cross-border collaboration. "I believe collaborations like this will strengthen the business ecosystem we are building for Kopdes Merah Putih," he stated. He highlighted the vast potential of village agriculture in food security if managed collectively through cooperatives, positioning agriculture as the primary business unit.
According to Ferry, many village natural resources remain underutilized, including land and agricultural commodities that could meet food needs and generate economic value. Cooperatives' involvement in agricultural management would create dual effects: boosting food production, creating new jobs, and reinforcing local economic chains.
He added, "The presence of Kopdes Merah Putih should be directed towards managing specific potentials in each region, rather than just running uniform businesses. This approach is more adaptive to local conditions and needs." With modern production tools from China, Ferry is optimistic that village cooperatives can drive sustainable community-based economies.
