The Indonesian government is set to mandate cooperative studies in higher education institutions, aiming to bolster the role of cooperatives in the national economy. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, will integrate cooperative values into compulsory university courses, including Pancasila economics. The move is part of a broader agreement with the Ministry of Cooperatives to empower cooperatives, such as the Red and White Village and sub-district Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih), as catalysts for a people-centric economy. The government also plans to revitalize student cooperatives (Kopma) and university cooperatives, utilizing them as models for new cooperative establishments across regions. Furthermore, thematic community service programs (KKN) and other university initiatives will collaborate with Kopdes Merah Putih, enabling final-year students and lecturers to mentor cooperatives in their regions. With over 4,000 campuses nationwide, the government is optimistic that this initiative will unite institutions in a collective effort to strengthen cooperatives as a cornerstone of the national economy. The Ministry of Cooperatives emphasizes the utilization of research and innovation to support cooperative development, including the revitalization of student cooperatives and the implementation of thematic KKN programs to fortify village-level cooperatives. Indonesia's goal is to establish 80,000 village cooperatives by March 2026, as part of a broader strategy to accelerate financing schemes for Red and White Village cooperatives.
