DENPASAR, The Kabar News—Bali’s Merah Putih Village/Subdistrict Cooperatives (KDKMP) recorded Rp3.34 billion (US$200,000) from 456,252 transactions in the first nine months of 2026, reflecting early commercial activity across the government-backed network.

Supendi, head of the Bali regional office of the Directorate General of Treasury, said Wednesday that the latest figure covered transactions recorded through Sept. 30. Moreover, the value exceeded the Rp1.28 billion generated from around 293,000 transactions in the first quarter, according to figures reported by Antara.

Medium-quality rice sold under the government’s Food Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) program, accounted for most of the recorded value. Cooperatives completed 155,886 purchases of five-kilogram rice packages worth Rp1.95 billion.

Cooking oil generated Rp426.65 million from 29,424 transactions. Phonska nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer produced Rp230.17 million from 125,091 transactions. Meanwhile, urea fertilizer contributed Rp223.88 million from 124,377 purchases. Other goods generated Rp514.46 million through 21,474 transactions.

The figures indicate that subsidized food and agricultural inputs currently form the core of the network’s business in Bali. However, the recorded turnover alone does not establish how much the cooperatives have contributed to the province’s overall economic growth. Nor does it show whether they have generated sustainable profits.

Bali has established 716 KDKMP, covering every village and urban ward in the province. All have received notarial deeds, accounts and taxpayer identification numbers, while about 500 have obtained business identification numbers.

The Bali Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Agency confirmed that all 716 cooperatives had secured notarial deeds. Nevertheless, the licensing data indicate that more than 200 units still needed business identification numbers at the end of the reporting period.

Infrastructure development has also progressed at different rates. By August, authorities had added 128 cooperative buildings. Meanwhile, 176 units were already operating independently. This brought the reported number of physical or independently operated facilities to 302. However, this total remains fewer than half of the 716 legally established cooperatives.

The new network may also need to coordinate with Bali’s existing village institutions, including village credit institutions, village-owned enterprises and Baga Utsaha Padruwen Desa Adat. Clear divisions of responsibility could prevent overlapping financial and commercial services.

The expansion comes as Bali’s economy continued to recover during 2026. Preliminary figures showed a year-on-year growth of 5.85 percent in the third quarter. This is slightly below the 5.88 percent recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

Investment supported the expansion, while financial services and construction posted strong growth. Tourism-linked accommodation, food services and transportation also expanded, although their growth slowed from a year earlier.

For comparison, official Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data showed that Bali’s economy grew 5.78 percent year-on-year in the second quarter. Accommodation and food services remained its largest production sector.

Bali’s cooperative network could strengthen village-level distribution if more units become fully licensed and commercially active. Its long-term contribution, however, will depend on transparent financial reporting and reliable management.

It will also depend on evidence that the cooperatives improve access to reasonably priced goods without displacing viable local businesses.