Jakarta, Oct. 3 -- Trade Minister Budi Santoso has encouraged the use of Village and Urban Co-operatives Merah Putih (Kopdes) as a key distribution channel for staple goods.

He said the presence of Kopdes can help secure supplies while maintaining stable prices at the local level.

During his visit to Kopdes Sukomoro in Nganjuk District, East Java, on Friday, Santoso noted that the cooperative has been providing rice, cooking oil, sugar, eggs, and other essential goods. Prices remain relatively stable with sufficient availability.

Kopdes Sukomoro also offers LPG and fertilizer, while working with Bulog and ID Food to distribute products, including the government-subsidized cooking oil brand Minyakita.

"By channeling supplies through vi...