The Indonesian government has officially opened up space for cooperatives to become more deeply involved in the management of national strategic sectors. This policy includes granting permits for cooperative business entities to manage operations in mining, energy, and the processing industry, which have so far been predominantly controlled by state-owned enterprises and the private sector.
Minister of Cooperatives, Ferry Juliantono, emphasized that this step is part of the government's strategy to strengthen the position of cooperatives as a key pillar of the national economy. By expanding their scope of business, cooperatives are expected to play an active role as a more inclusive economic backbone for their members.
Specifically, the opportunities provided include the management of community oil wells whose production is no longer considered optimal, as well as the management of mineral mines. Through this direct involvement, the government aims to increase cooperatives' contribution to national revenue while diversifying income sources for cooperative members across Indonesia.
This strategic move is also part of the government's efforts to optimize the potential of natural resources through organized public participation. It is hoped that with professional governance, cooperatives can transform into more competitive business entities with high bargaining power in the national economic arena.
