TERNATE – The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, attended the National Seminar on Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives (KDKMP), organized by 10 Village Associations in Ternate City on Wednesday (August 5, 2026).

This seminar, according to Minister Yandri, serves as a collaborative effort between the Ministry and Village Associations to open a public dialogue aimed at delivering comprehensive and exhaustive information regarding the KDKMP initiative to policymakers, regional governments, private sector representatives, state-owned enterprises (BUMN), and the general public.

"We also invited Village Heads, village apparatuses, Village Facilitators (Pendamping Desa), academics, and the youth so that a unified narrative can be shared moving forward," Minister Yandri stated.

This approach ensures that the establishment of the KDKMP as a vital government infrastructure is properly safeguarded and operates at maximum capacity. Thus, the National Seminar functions as a public forum to thoroughly analyze all information related to the KDKMP.

Minister Yandri also elaborated on the strategic positioning of KDKMP outlets. The selection of KDKMP sites is based on mutual agreements; therefore, if certain locations appear less strategic, it is primarily due to local land availability constraints within the village.

"Nevertheless, we are confident that rural residents will visit the cooperatives, as the KDKMP will serve as the central distribution hub for all government aid flowing into villages," Minister Yandri explained.

Minister Yandri added that by the end of August 2026, approximately 35,000 KDKMP units are targeted to become fully operational.

The government remains optimistic that the KDKMP will serve as a primary economic engine at the village and sub-district levels while streamlining the distribution of subsidized goods to enhance community welfare.

"Regarding land acquisition hurdles in several regions, the government will continue to coordinate with relevant ministries and state institutions to ensure cooperative construction stays on track with national targets," Minister Yandri emphasized.

During the event, representatives of the 10 Village Associations also re-read a joint position statement. All participating associations unanimously agreed that the KDKMP program is a national priority agenda that mandates full support from all relevant stakeholders.