SERANG – The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, has requested that the issuance of permits for new minimarkets be halted. This move aims to revitalize local business units—both established and newly formed—including the government’s latest priority program, the Merah Putih Village Cooperative.

Minister Yandri revealed that this proposal stems from public complaints, particularly from village grocery store owners who are struggling to compete with modern retail chains as their expansion reaches deep into rural areas.

"When I was in Commission V, I stated that for existing minimarkets like Indomaret and Alfamart, let them continue. I have never suggested closing them down. What I am asking for is a halt on new permits. We must prevent these minimarkets from entering villages and stifling the livelihoods of the local people," said Minister Yandri during his speech at the Collaboration of Merah Putih Village Cooperatives with the Family Hope Program (PKH) in Ranjeng Village, Ciruas District, Serang, Banten, Tuesday (Feb 24, 2026).

The Minister added that in terms of equitable economic distribution—aligned with President Prabowo’s 6th Asta Cita—various stakeholders hold a strong commitment to building Indonesia from the grassroots up. In this context, the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (Kopdes) serves as a primary vehicle.

He noted that at least 20 percent of a cooperative's profits contribute to Village Original Income (PAD) and Net Profit Distribution (SHU), all of which are eventually managed and utilized for the benefit of the villagers.

Furthermore, villages and urban districts are considered to have a highly strategic role as they are at the frontline of development and directly interface with the community.

"Now, in the context of economic equality, the Merah Putih Village Cooperative is a precise and accurate tool to ensure that equality truly exists," explained Minister Yandri.

Minister Yandri continued by stating that all elements of society and government must work in synergy to seize opportunities to strengthen the village economy. This is also seen as a way to prevent urbanization and its negative social impacts.

He warned that uncontrolled urbanization, as seen in countries like Japan and South Korea, leads to more severe problems such as demographic imbalances.

"Therefore, during the meeting in Commission V, I emphasized that our President, local governments, village heads, and district heads must all side with the village community by providing affirmation and business opportunities that can be managed by the villagers themselves," he concluded.

The event was attended by the Minister of Cooperatives, Ferry Juliantono; Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf; Deputy Minister of Social Affairs, Agus Jabo Priyono; Deputy Minister of Cooperatives, Farida Farichah; Head of the Poverty Alleviation Task Force (BP Taskin), Budiman Sudjatmiko; and the Regent of Serang, Ratu Rachmatu Zakiyah.

Photo: Dani/Kemendes PDT 
Text: Dayat/Kemendes PDT