RRI.CO.Id, Jakarta - Indonesia's Minister of Cooperatives, Ferry Juliantoro, affirmed that the government is strengthening synergy with the Ministry of Agriculture to support agricultural development through stronger cooperative institutions. The collaboration is part of the government’s strategy to build a more productive, inclusive, and competitive agricultural ecosystem.

The commitment was conveyed by Ferry during the People’s Sugarcane Farmers Dialogue on Strengthening the Sugar Industry Ecosystem through Cooperative Synergy, the Revolving Fund Management Institution for Cooperatives (LPDB), and PT PG Rajawali I in Jakarta, Tuesday July 14, 2026. According to Ferry, cooperation between the Ministry of Cooperatives and the Ministry of Agriculture will focus on supporting the development of food crops, horticulture, and plantation sectors.

“Together with the Vice Minister of Agriculture, we agreed to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Cooperatives to provide support and find solutions together with the Ministry of Agriculture for agricultural activities, including the development of food crops, horticulture, plantations, and other sectors,” he said.

Ferry said stronger coordination between ministries is needed to develop joint solutions for various challenges facing the agricultural sector. Through cooperatives, the government hopes farmers will have stronger institutions to develop their businesses and increase the added value of agricultural products.

Meanwhile, Vice Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono, said strengthening cooperatives marks an important momentum for the revival of Indonesia’s agricultural sector. He said cooperatives can serve as a business channel connecting agricultural production processes with the distribution of products from villages to markets.

“I believe this is the right time for the revival of agriculture. Agriculture should be strengthened through cooperatives. This includes the Red and White Village Cooperatives, Production Cooperatives, Sugarcane Cooperatives, Sugar Cooperatives, and many others,” he said.

According to Sudaryono, cooperatives are businesses owned by their members, making them an important instrument to increase productivity and improve farmers’ welfare. “The focus is on increasing productivity, ensuring farmers’ prosperity, and managing business chains through cooperatives,” he said.

The government expects stronger cooperatives to improve agricultural supply chains while supporting national food security. The collaboration between the Ministry of Cooperatives and the Ministry of Agriculture is also expected to make Indonesia’s agricultural sector more modern, sustainable, and competitive in the global market.