The government introduces the Merah Putih Village Cooperative as a driver of the village economy
East Java – The Red and White Village Cooperative (KDMP) is being promoted as a center for village economic development, capable of strengthening the national economy from the grassroots level. Amidst the pressures of global dynamics and international geopolitical uncertainty, this program is seen as a strategic step to ensure that economic activity is not solely concentrated in cities but grows and circulates strongly in villages, the primary base of community development.
This was conveyed by the Chairman of Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Mukhamad Misbakhun, after gathering input at three locations in Probolinggo Regency, East Java. In a meeting with residents, community leaders, and village business owners, he urged the community to support and contribute to the success of the Red and White Village Cooperative and Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programs, which are priority programs of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.
“We hope that the Merah Putih Village Cooperative will become the center of village economic activity,” said Misbakhun.
According to him, strengthening cooperatives in villages will ensure that basic necessities, agricultural production inputs, and micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) products are distributed locally. With shorter and more integrated distribution chains, the welfare of rural communities is expected to gradually improve.
“So, basic necessities, agricultural production facilities, and even MSME products can circulate within the village itself. If the village economy is growing, national growth will also be boosted,” he said.
He added that strengthening the village economy is a crucial part of the strategy to maintain national stability. When villages are economically resilient, the impact of global turmoil can be mitigated and regional disparities can be reduced.
In addition to the KDMP, Misbakhun also emphasized the importance of the MBG program as a long-term investment in developing human resource quality. He stated that future generations must be prepared with adequate nutrition to compete at the regional and global levels.
“Indonesia’s future generations must be provided with adequate nutrition to be able to compete with neighboring and developed countries,” he explained.
He acknowledged that the MBG budget is not small, but viewed the program as a manifestation of the state’s commitment to preparing a superior generation. He argued that criticism of the program is legitimate as long as it is conveyed constructively.
“The important thing is not to undermine its noble purpose. Criticism is welcome, but it must be constructive,” he said.
At each meeting, he also held interactive dialogues to gather input from residents. “I will champion every input from the village. Government programs must not only be strong in concept but also precise in implementation,” he said.
