Manokwari, W Papua, June 29 -- The Indonesian government's project to establish village cooperatives across the country could potentially create up to 16,000 jobs in West Papua, according to an official.

Deputy Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono said on Sunday that a total of 842 cooperatives have been established across seven districts in West Papua, with each expected to employ around 10 to 20 people.

"These cooperatives are part of a community-based village economic development strategy because they create new jobs," he explained.

He expressed hope that his meeting with regional leaders in Manokwari on Saturday would accelerate the establishment of the remaining cooperatives.

According to Juliantono, the regional government ...