Jakarta, Sept. 30 -- Deputy Minister for Villages and Disadvantaged Regions Ahmad Riza Patria said strengthening human capital is among eight government strategies to accelerate the formation and growth of Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (Kopdes).

"Human resource development through training and mentoring is a priority to improve management capacity and member participation," Riza, widely known as Ariza, said in a keynote speech at a webinar on "Village and Urban Potential in Developing Merah Putih Cooperatives," monitored in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He said the focus on skills is vital as the co-ops will be supported by digital technology. This requires cooperative managers and members to acquire technical, managerial, and entrepreneurial ...