Red and White Village Cooperatives Become the Driving Force for Economic Independence in Papua
Nabire — The movement to establish Red and White Village Cooperatives (KDMP) in Papua has entered a crucial phase. Central Papua has made history as the first province in Papua to successfully establish 100 percent of KDMPs in all villages and sub-districts.
Minister of Cooperatives, Budi Arie Setiadi, expressed his high appreciation for this achievement, as he believes this step will serve as a catalyst for other provinces in Papua to strengthen economic independence from the village level.
“I commend Central Papua for being the first province in Papua to successfully establish 100 percent of Red and White Village Cooperatives in all villages and sub-districts. I hope this cooperative in Papua can serve as an example for other regions, demonstrating that economic independence can be built from the village, from the community, with a spirit of unity,” he said.
He also emphasized that Papua possesses great strength in the values of brotherhood and mutual cooperation that exist within its communities. According to him, KDMPs are a platform for managing this potential to provide the best possible benefits for the community.
“This cooperative is not just a place to gather or do business, but a space to build mutual trust, collaborate, and ensure that the results are enjoyed by all. With the support of tribal chiefs, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and the community, the KDMP will become a real force born of togetherness,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration (PDTT), Yandri Susanto, assessed that strengthening village cooperatives aligns with the vision of developing Papua from the villages.
“Papua is an inseparable part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Building villages in Papua is truly building Indonesia,” he emphasized.
He noted that every year Papua receives nearly IDR 6.5 trillion in village funds, which serve as significant capital for stimulating the local economy. The KDMP program is designed to ensure that money flows and productive businesses actually occur in the villages, so that the benefits are directly felt by the community.
“If village cooperatives are successful, the villages and the villages will benefit. Because all the money flows in the villages,” he said.
The success of Central Papua is expected to serve as a starting point for replicating the KDMP movement in Papua, West Papua, Southwest Papua, South Papua, and Highland Papua. With full cross-sectoral support, village cooperatives in Papua are expected to grow into a strong and independent economic foundation, while strengthening community unity in the region.
