Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan (Village/Urban Village Cooperative) Merah Putih is a part of President Prabowo Subianto’s initiative to strengthen rural economies and improve the welfare of communities in villages across Indonesia. According to Adita Irawati, Senior Advisor at the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), this program signifies a new era in village-based national development, emphasizing the people’s sovereignty in managing their resources. The initiative, launched on Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day, aims to promote economic independence for rural communities, moving them away from dependency on social assistance towards sustainable economic empowerment.
Despite facing challenges like inadequate storage for the nation’s fish catch, high levels of debt among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), lack of healthcare facilities in villages, and limited cooperative presence, the Kopdes Merah Putih program seeks to address these issues. Through the establishment of 80,081 cooperatives, President Prabowo aims to build a self-reliant, inclusive, and equitable economy, guided by the principles of Asta Cita. These cooperatives serve as a means to shorten distribution chains, provide essential goods at affordable prices, and create jobs while fostering entrepreneurship and local production centers.
For Dedi Nurendi, head of the Kopdes Merah Putih in Cileunyi Wetan village, Bandung regency, West Java, this initiative has already made a positive impact on the community. By bringing basic necessities closer to residents and providing alternatives to informal lenders like Bank Emok, cooperatives play a vital role in addressing the economic needs of the people. Dedi emphasizes the importance of joining cooperatives, highlighting their role in promoting mutual cooperation and self-sufficiency within the community.