Red and White Cooperative Launched, Encouraging Indonesia’s National Economic Independence
JAKARTA — The government inaugurated the Red and White Village Cooperative (Kopdes) in Bentangan, Wonosari District, Klaten Regency, on July 21, 2025. This launch affirms the government’s commitment to continuously promoting national economic independence through strengthening village and sub-district cooperatives.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan stated that the launch of the Red and White Village Cooperative (Kopdes) and Sub-district Cooperative (Kopkel) was a direct order from President Prabowo.
“The President launched the Kopdes and Kopkel here,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of the program’s success in maintaining public trust in cooperatives in Indonesia.
“I also report that the Red and White Village Cooperative or the Red and White Sub-district Cooperative, which was directly initiated by the President, is simply being implemented,” said Zulhas.
Zulkifli further explained that the launch involved up to 83,000 village heads from across Indonesia, with 78,000 cooperatives already operational. In Central Java alone, at least 8,000 village heads attended the event.
“I emphasized that cooperatives must not fail. If they fail, people will no longer trust them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi confirmed that all Merah Putih cooperatives in his region have been legally incorporated.
“All 8,523 cooperatives in Central Java have been legally incorporated, and this is the first cooperative to be 100 percent Central Javanese,” Luthfi explained.
He believes that the cooperative’s existence can empower villages according to the potential of their respective regions.
“The Merah Putih Cooperative is here to empower villages. It provides pharmacies, basic necessities, savings and loans, fertilizer, postal services, and other services according to the capabilities of each village,” he added.
Meanwhile, Minister of Cooperatives Budi Arie Setiadi emphasized that the Merah Putih Village Cooperative is a crucial instrument for continuing to fight for economic independence within the community.
“The KDMP is a tool for the community’s economic struggle to improve their welfare and lead them to prosperity. Therefore, it requires full support and participation from the community,” Budi Arie urged.
Therefore, the launch of the Merah Putih Cooperative is a very concrete step by the government under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership to strengthen the people’s economy and realize a more independent and prosperous Indonesia. (*)
