Jakarta, June 2 -- Cooperatives Minister Budi Arie Setiadi stated that the Red and White Village Cooperatives are a manifestation of a Pancasila-based economy as they operate on the principles of cooperation and togetherness, ultimately fostering economic justice.

In a written statement here on Monday, he explained that social justice -- the fifth principle of the national ideology, Pancasila -- should be the main orientation of the program.

"Cooperatives must continue to be empowered to ensure no one is left behind in the nation's progress," he affirmed.

Setiadi emphasized that village cooperatives serve as the government's instruments to counter parties that exploit communities, especially in villages, such as loan sharks and online ...