inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Indonesian Minister of Cooperatives, Budi Arie Setiadi, said that the government is serious about encouraging the ease of establishing the Red and White Village Cooperative (Kopdes) in villages.

Through cooperation with the Indonesian Notary Association, the cost of establishing a cooperative, which was originally IDR 5-7 million, has been reduced to IDR 2.5 million.

This cost reduction aims to ensure that the Red and White Village Cooperative can be formed immediately throughout Indonesia.

He said that the target is 80,000 active village cooperatives that are strong institutionally and cost-efficient.

Budi believes that village cooperatives can sell basic necessities cheaper than stores in general. This is possible because the cooperative's purchasing system is carried out wholesale and centrally.

He further stated that with cheaper prices, cooperatives must still make a profit for the welfare of all members in the village. The cooperative's profits will be shared fairly to encourage mutual cooperation and inclusive economy in the village.

"I am sure Kopdes will sell goods cheaper than other places. So because of that, cooperatives must make a profit, because why? Because the profit will be shared with the village cooperative members," he said.

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