Jakarta, August 26, 2025 – Yayasan Rumah Energi officially launched the Training of Trainers (ToT) on Green Cooperatives: Strengthening the Role of Regional Cooperative Agencies in ESG Governance and Climate-Resilient Business Transformation. The two-day event, held on August 25–26, 2025 at Novotel Cikini Hotel, Jakarta, is part of the Green Cooperative Policy Readiness Project, supported by ClimateWorks Foundation (CWF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Cooperatives. 

The Merah Putih Village Cooperative has now entered its implementation phase, following the issuance of technical and operational guidelines for financing through Himbara state-owned banks. The financing framework is regulated under Minister of Finance Regulation No. 49/2025 and Minister of Villages, PDT Regulation No. 10/2025. These regulations aim to accelerate cooperative operations that already have legal status, infrastructure, and active business units so they can access formal financing. The seven business models developed by cooperatives—ranging from pharmacies, clinics, grocery outlets, logistics, savings and loans, cold storage, to cooperative offices—are expected not only to generate economic value but also to integrate sustainability principles. This is crucial, as rural communities remain among the most vulnerable groups to the impacts of climate change affecting agriculture, fisheries, and trade. 

According to an article by the Directorate General of Treasury, Ministry of Finance of Indonesia, shifts in weather patterns—such as rising temperatures and erratic rainfall—significantly affect food production, fisheries, and inflation trends. Prolonged drought reduces water availability for irrigation, while excessive rainfall can lead to floods and landslides. These conditions highlight the urgent role of village cooperatives, supported by regional cooperative agencies, as key actors in strengthening rural economic resilience. 

Training of Trainers (ToT) participants for Green Cooperative Strengthening the Role of the Cooperative Office in ESG Governance and Climate Resilient Business Transformation.

Since 2021, Yayasan Rumah Energi has developed the Green Cooperative concept to promote the adoption of environmentally friendly innovations and sustainable business practices at the village level. The concept positions cooperatives as change agents embracing ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) principles through sound governance, green-oriented business models, and long-term social impact.

The ToT brought together 60 participants from Cooperative Agencies in 8 provinces: West Java, Central Java, East Java, Lampung, West Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara. It also served as a platform to disseminate learning modules developed by Rumah Energi in partnership with the Center for People’s Economy Studies (PUSEKRA) of Universitas Gadjah Mada, covering governance, green business models, climate risk management, access to energy financing, and cooperative monitoring systems.

Executive Director of Rumah Energi, Sumanda Tondang.

In his remarks, Rumah Energi’s Executive Director, Sumanda Tondang, emphasized the importance of ESG-based cooperatives: 

“We hope this training will not just be a series of sessions, but a meaningful takeaway that participants can bring back to their regions. In our view, those present here are not merely beneficiaries, but true agents of change at the forefront of transforming Indonesia’s economic landscape through cooperatives.” 

Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperatives, Ahmad Zabadi

The Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperatives, Ahmad Zabadi, highlighted the transformative role of cooperatives: 

“Cooperatives now exist to fulfill the basic needs of society. The Merah Putih Cooperative demonstrates a revolution in an economy that prioritizes rural communities while shortening supply chains that have long affected the prices of basic needs.” 

Representing PSEKRA UGM, Ahmad Rahma Wardhana, expressed pride in contributing to this transformative learning process: 

“These modules are designed to broaden perspectives and deepen understanding of grassroots cooperative empowerment. Our hope is that cooperatives will not only function as economic institutions but also as concrete drivers of an inclusive, fair, and sustainable people’s economy in Indonesia.” 

Meanwhile, Try Aditya Putra, Acting Assistant Deputy for Cooperative Organizations and Legal Entities under the Ministry of Cooperatives, stressed the synergy between Merah Putih and Green Cooperatives: 

“Green Cooperatives complement Merah Putih Cooperatives by strengthening existing business models with sustainability aspects, and even opening opportunities for new business models.” 

The participants are formulating action plans to be implemented in their respective areas.

At the conclusion of the training, participants developed action plans to implement in their respective regions. This ToT marks an important milestone in mainstreaming ESG principles into cooperative policies and operations across Indonesia. Rumah Energi hopes the initiative will expand networks and accelerate the adoption of Green Cooperative models as part of a participatory and sustainable solution to the climate crisis.