Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Cooperatives, Farida Farichah, has highlighted the crucial role of professional management within cooperatives operating in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren). During a working visit to the Mathlaul Ulum Consumer Cooperative, Farichah stressed the need to strengthen these cooperatives as pillars of the nation’s community-based economy. The initiative aims to improve governance and operational standards within pesantren cooperatives. This push for professionalization is intended to enhance the economic resilience of pesantren and their surrounding communities. The government views these cooperatives as vital for fostering economic independence and driving grassroots development. Further details regarding specific strategies for improvement were not immediately available, but the visit signals a focused governmental effort to support this sector.