RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Minister of Cooperatives, Ferry Juliantono, has reaffirmed the Indonesian government's commitment to strengthening Sharia cooperatives as a key pillar of the people-centered economy. He made the statement while opening the 2026 Sharia Cooperative Training and Cooperative Bazaar, organized by the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Muslim Women Entrepreneurs Association (WPMI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Cooperatives’ Dharma Wanita Association in Jakarta on Monday August 3, 2026.

Ferry said the government fully supports women entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses through Sharia cooperatives. As part of that commitment, the Ministry will facilitate the legal establishment of Sharia cooperatives within the WPMI network.

According to him, Sharia cooperatives not only strengthen women-led businesses but also provide broader access to financing and business development opportunities. “If WPMI members have business potential that can be developed into larger industries, we are ready to discuss and support those opportunities together,” he said.

He added that strengthening Sharia cooperatives is also a strategic measure to protect communities from illegal online lending and predatory moneylenders. “This is where WPMI’s Sharia cooperatives can play an important role by providing trustworthy savings and financing services based on the mudharabah principle,” Ferry said.

The minister noted that the initiative is in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of reinforcing Indonesia’s economy based on the principles outlined in Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution. He also expressed hope that WPMI would collaborate with the Red and White Village/Sub-district Cooperatives (KDKMP) to broaden the impact of cooperative development across the country.

WPMI Chairwoman Endang Yopie Yanty Casidi welcomed the government's support for women-led Sharia cooperatives. She said WPMI is not merely a business association but also a driving force for family economic resilience and the empowerment of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

“Today we are launching a real movement. We want women entrepreneurs to become independent and no longer stand alone. The WPMI Sharia Cooperative offers a collective solution that will help Muslim women-owned MSMEs become more stable and globally competitive,” Endang said.

The training program, themed “Building a Sustainable Sharia Economy through Sharia Cooperatives,” brought together WPMI leaders from across Indonesia. The initiative is expected to produce a new generation of cooperative leaders who are professional, innovative, and accountable while strengthening the role of Sharia cooperatives in supporting inclusive economic growth in Indonesia.