Red and White Village Cooperative Program Becomes a Real Evidence of Village Economic Transformation in Prabowo-Gibran’s First Year

Jakarta – The Red and White Village Cooperative (Kopdes Merah Putih) program has become a tangible milestone in the village economic transformation marking the first year of the Prabowo-Gibran administration. This program is not merely an economic initiative, but also a social movement that reaffirms the spirit of togetherness and people’s independence as mandated by Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution.

With a target of establishing more than 80,000 cooperatives in villages and sub-districts, the Red and White Village Cooperative Program is expected to be a key driver in shortening supply chains, increasing community incomes, and strengthening national food security.

The Head of the Center for Regional and Budget Studies (Puskadaran) of the Secretariat General of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI), Dr. Sri Sundari, S.H., M.M., CGCAE, assessed that cooperatives have a strategic position in building a just and sustainable economy. Sri emphasized that cooperatives are a concrete embodiment of the principles of economic democracy that favor the people.

“The Merah Putih Cooperative is expected to become not only a business unit, but also a socio-economic movement that strengthens national unity. The Regional Representative Council (DPD) of the Republic of Indonesia is committed to encouraging the development of applicable and equitable policy recommendations,” he said.

According to him, the success of this program will lay an important foundation for national economic development based on the values ​​of mutual cooperation and social solidarity.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs, Ferry Juliantono, emphasized that government support for strengthening cooperatives goes beyond institutional aspects. Infrastructure development, including warehouses and other supporting facilities, is an integral part of the government’s efforts to increase the capacity and professionalism of cooperatives throughout Indonesia.

“These facilities not only function as trading centers, but also as centers for economic and social services at the village level,” he said.

Meanwhile, the CEO of BPI Danantara, Rosan Roeslani, views the Merah Putih village cooperatives as a crucial milestone in Indonesia’s journey toward national economic independence. He believes that the role of cooperatives under the Pragib administration is increasingly vital because they are able to bring together the interests of producers, consumers, and local businesses within an inclusive economic ecosystem.

“The Merah Putih Cooperative is a tangible symbol that economic progress is not limited to cities, but also grows from villages,” said Rosan.

Through the Merah Putih Village Cooperative, the government demonstrates its commitment to accelerating economic equality throughout the country. This program is concrete evidence that development is not only measured by economic growth figures, but also by the extent to which the people can enjoy the results equitably. The first year of Pragib’s administration is a crucial momentum in building a new paradigm for a village economy that is sovereign, independent, and socially just.