Magelang, C Java, Feb. 17 -- The Ministry of Cooperatives underscored that the Red and White Village Cooperatives will not kill off small businesses, but are designed to strengthen capital and drive the development of the local economy.

"These village cooperatives won't kill off small businesses or small shops. In fact, small shops owned by local residents will become members," Special Staff to the Cooperatives Minister, Ambar Pertiwiningrum, said in Magelang, Central Java, on Tuesday.

She noted that the establishment of the Red and White Village Cooperatives has been coordinated at the central government level.

Task forces have been formed involving several relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Pl...