Merah Putih Village Cooperative Accelerates Economic Equality in Papua and Empowers MSMEs
PAPUA – The presence of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (Kopdes) in Papua further emphasizes the government’s commitment to building economic independence and equality, extending to remote areas. The policy of accelerating the formation of cooperatives through Presidential Instruction Number 9 of 2025 is a strategic step demonstrating the state’s clear commitment to strengthening a community-based economy. By focusing on empowering rural communities, the government is positioning Papua as a center for inclusive and sustainable people-centered economic transformation.
Regional Representative Council (DPD) member Irman Gusman expressed high optimism regarding the policy of strengthening the Merah Putih Kopdes. He viewed the government’s move as a visionary decision that places the people at the center of national development. Irman emphasized that cooperatives have proven to be a modern pillar driving the economy in various developed countries.
“We are following global best practices, and Papua has great potential to become a successful example of the cooperative model in Indonesia,” he said.
Irman also emphasized that strengthening the Merah Putih Kopdes is not merely a technical program, but a representation of the spirit of mutual cooperation that is the nation’s core character. According to him, village-based development is a crucial foundation for Indonesia to achieve strong and equitable economic equality.
Efforts to strengthen cooperatives in Papua have received full support from the regional government. Governor of the Papua Mountains, John Tabo, officially opened the Merah Putih Village Cooperative Training, attended by representatives from eight districts. The event was combined with the distribution of Rp36.9 billion in business capital assistance to 4,350 MSMEs. This support reflects the regional government’s commitment to implementing the national agenda of strengthening the people’s economic structure.
“Cooperatives are drivers of change. Through the Merah Putih Village Cooperative, the Papuan people will become more empowered and independent,” John Tabo emphasized.
He also emphasized the importance of accelerating the formation of cooperatives in underdeveloped districts. This commitment is based on the desire to ensure that no region is left behind in Papua’s economic transformation process. The regional government continues to encourage community capacity building through training that emphasizes modern, transparent, and accountable cooperative management.
These steps by the central and regional governments ensure that the use of Special Autonomy Funds is more targeted and has a real impact on the community. By strengthening cooperatives, the government is creating a mechanism for equitable distribution of economic benefits down to the grassroots level. The Red and White Village Cooperative (Kopdes Merah Putih) is projected to become a new economic development model, providing farmers, fishermen, MSMEs, and indigenous communities with broader access to capital, technology, and business mentoring.
With strong policy support, adequate funding, and consistent political commitment, the Red and White Village Cooperative (Kopdes Merah Putih) has become a symbol of the state’s presence in Papua. This cooperative not only strengthens the village economy but also serves as a crucial pillar in moving Papua towards a more independent, prosperous, and inclusive future.
