The Ministry Of Cooperatives Invites International Organizations To Strengthen Food Security And Development Of The Red And White Kopdes

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The Ministry of Cooperatives (Kemenkop) is ready to open up collaborative partnership opportunities for support from various international cooperative organizations, to strengthen the role of the Red and White Village Cooperative (Kopdes/Kel) in sustainable development in Indonesia.

Deputy for Talent Development and Competitiveness of the Kemenkop Destry Cooperative Anna Sari said the development of the Red and White Kopdes received great positive support, especially through an official cooperation plan with ICA.

Appreciation and support come from various international cooperative organizations, such as the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) or the International Cooperative Alliance, ASEAN Cooperative Alliance, Cooperative Development Foundation, and Desjardin Cooperative Bank Canada.

"The great potential of the collaboration is to accelerate the operation of the Red and White Kopdes in the future," said Destry at the International Seminar entitled Building Food Security and Leveraging the Sustainability of the Red and White Village/Sub-District Cooperative Development in Indonesia,, Tuesday, November 18.

According to Destry, ICA already understands the various cases and challenges faced by the Red and White Kopdes so far. With the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) going forward with ICA, it is hoped that cooperative membership will be active again and synergies between cooperatives can be built stronger.

"Support from ICA will complement the development of existing business schemes, including the provision of tested tools in various countries, but adjusted to conditions in Indonesia," he said.

He emphasized that one of the main focuses of developing the Red and White Kopdes is the fulfillment of captive markets which are directed to meet the needs of production and market in a balanced manner.

This is believed to accelerate business processes, especially in consolidating agricultural needs that have not been optimally managed so far.

"The Red and White Village Head will also play a role in meeting the needs of the village and its surroundings, as well as supporting various social programs such as the Family Hope Program (PKH) and other social assistance," said Destry.

Destry added that the Red and White Kopdes are preparing to manage these programs. Thus, the potential to meet local needs is very large and opens up opportunities for exports in the future, supported by networks and access to learning that will be sharpened through the MoU.

The International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025 itself, continued Destry, is an important momentum for the whole world, to reaffirm the role of cooperatives in facing global challenges such as food security, climate pressure, social inequality, and the future of rural economies.

Destry emphasized that Indonesia responded to these challenges through the development of the Red and White Kopdes, a national initiative that is not just an ordinary program, but an economic transformation platform based on community participation, digital governance, and strong local institutions.

"The Red and White Village Head is expected to strengthen the agricultural supply chain, expand access to basic needs, improve farmers' welfare, as well as strengthen national food security amid global uncertainty," he stressed.

In order to realize this, the Ministry of Cooperatives prioritizes talent development. More than 8,000 business assistant facilitators and 1,104 officer management projects have been placed throughout Indonesia to guide cooperatives in carrying out daily operations.

"Precise learning approach (learning-by-doing) is implemented, in order to ensure technical competence and managerial readiness," Destry said.