Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Cooperatives has expressed its readiness to support community recovery and empowerment, particularly for cooperative members, in areas affected by floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra after the emergency response phase ends.
Deputy Minister of Cooperatives Farida Farichah said the ministry is prepared to play a strategic role in assisting disaster-affected cooperatives so they can resume their operations.
“We will continue to provide assistance, especially for cooperatives in those three regions,” she said in a press statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.
Based on preliminary data from the ministry, floods and landslides affected 19 existing cooperatives and 27 Red and White Village Cooperatives in Aceh. In North Sumatra, nine existing cooperatives and 20 Red and White Village Cooperatives were impacted.
Meanwhile, in West Sumatra, seven existing cooperatives and nine Red and White Village Cooperatives were affected. Farichah added that accelerating the construction of outlets, warehouses, and supporting facilities for village cooperatives is among the ministry’s priorities.
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She said the effort will be carried out through a cash-for-work scheme, allowing local residents to take part in the rehabilitation process while earning direct income.
In addition, the ministry is preparing skills training programs for cooperative members who previously managed productive businesses. The training is intended to support the development of village cooperative business activities.
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Regarding financing, Farichah said the Revolving Fund Management Agency is providing credit relief for disaster-affected cooperatives that had previously received loans, including a one-year grace period on loan repayments.
She also noted that the Ministry of Cooperatives has established cooperative service posts in Aceh Tamiang District, Central Tapanuli District, and Agam District. The posts function as centers for consultation, distribution of logistical assistance, and business mentoring.
