Indonesia proposes five initiatives for ASEAN cooperatives

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia has proposed five strategic initiatives to accelerate the modernization, competitiveness, and climate resilience of agricultural and forestry cooperatives across ASEAN member countries.

The proposals were presented during the 32nd Meeting of ASEAN Centre for the Development of Agricultural Cooperatives (ACEDAC) and the 27th Meeting of ASEAN Sectoral Working Group on Agricultural Cooperatives (ASWGAC) held in Yogyakarta on October 12–13, 2026.

Director of General and Legal Affairs at Indonesia's Cooperative Revolving Fund Management Agency (LPDB-KUMKM) Deva Rachman said in a statement on Thursday that the proposals were submitted for inclusion in the ACEDAC Plan of Action (PoA) 2027.

It aims to strengthen regional collaboration in addressing various challenges as well as opportunities in developing agricultural and forestry cooperatives in the region.

The strategic priorities include accelerating the adoption of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance agricultural and forestry productivity, and formulating proactive strategies to mitigate the impacts of El Nino and climate change to safeguard agribusiness continuity.

The initiatives also include increasing the involvement of younger generations in agricultural and forestry cooperatives through youth camps and international exchange programs to drive modern management and technological adoption, and devising targeted measures to address an aging demographic in cooperative memberships.

The fifth agenda is interconnecting ASEAN agricultural cooperative databases to boost cross-border trade, draw investment, and widen market access via the ACEDAC digital marketplace.

Rachman expressed hope that the initiatives will provide a foundation for knowledge exchange, joint programs, and partnerships of cooperatives across the region.

She noted that these initiatives are also designed to help cooperatives adapt swiftly to technological disruption, shifting market dynamics, and environmental pressures.

The joint ACEDAC and ASWGAC meetings concluded with several strategic recommendations that will serve as a roadmap for upcoming regional work programs.

Indonesia is scheduled to host the ACEDAC Business Forum in 2027, while the 33rd ACEDAC Board Meeting will be convened in Laos later that year.

Through these proposals, Indonesia aims to bolster regional partnerships in building more adaptive, productive, and competitive cooperatives as well as to realize long-term food security across Southeast Asia.

Related news: Indonesia pledges ASEAN cooperative push for food security

Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Uyu Liman
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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