Jakarta, May 17 -- Indonesian Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Luh Puspa stated that the Red and White Village Cooperatives program is expected to strengthen the governance of tourism villages and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in support of quality tourism development.

The deputy minister made the statement while attending the inauguration of 1,061 Red and White Village Cooperatives in Nglawak Village, Nganjuk, East Java, on Saturday (May 16).

In a statement received on Sunday, Puspa emphasized that tourism villages hold significant growth potential when supported by strong village cooperatives, as both are rooted in community participation and provide direct economic benefits to local residents.

"This initiative is important ...