Central Bangka, July 16 -- Cooperatives Minister Budi Arie Setiadi reiterated the government's vision of cooperatives formed under the Red and White Villages Cooperatives (KDMP) program as pivotal instruments for fostering economic self-reliance among rural residents.

"KDMP serves as a tool for boosting rural economies, guiding village residents to improve their welfare, and become prosperous. To this end, we need full support from the public," he remarked during a visit to Central Bangka District, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, on Wednesday.

During the visit, Setiadi reviewed the readiness of a KDMP in Namang Village, which has been designated as one of the 103 pilot models for the initial phase of the program's implementation.

Acc...