Semarang – Farida Dewi Maharani, Director of the Komdigi Media Ecosystem, emphasized that digital transformation is a crucial step in strengthening the presence of 83,000 Red and White Village/Sub-District Cooperatives (KDKMP) as a new driving force for the people’s economy in various regions.
Farida explained that Indonesia’s digital economy has enormous potential and must be fully utilized by village business actors.
“The digital transformation of MSMEs and village cooperatives cannot proceed in isolation. Collective synergy is needed so that MSMEs can move up a level, become more adaptive, and sustainable,” Farida emphasized.
The government views the Red and White Cooperative as a significant opportunity to accelerate village economic transformation.
Since its national inauguration in July 2025, KDKMP has been equipped with the Village Cooperative Management Information System (Simkopdes). This platform is designed to support modern, digital-technology-based cooperative governance.
The Assistant Deputy for Digitalization of Cooperatives at the Ministry of Cooperatives, Riza Azmi, explained that Simkopdes is a crucial instrument in strengthening village cooperative management to make it more professional and accountable.
“Simkopdes is the technological foundation for the Merah Putih Cooperative. This platform bridges transparency, operational efficiency, and ease of access for all members,” said Riza.
Through this system, various administrative processes and cooperative business management can be carried out more quickly and openly.
Cooperative members are also expected to have easier access to information related to transactions, product distribution, and financial reports. This will continue to increase public trust in cooperatives.
Digitalization of cooperatives is also considered crucial for expanding the market for local MSME products. Village products that were previously only marketed conventionally now have a greater opportunity to reach a wider consumer base through digital platforms.
In addition to technological support, the government also considers the role of the mass media crucial in overseeing the transformation of village cooperatives.
Senior journalist and academic at Padjadjaran University, Abie Besman, believes that cooperatives can no longer be viewed as traditional economic institutions synonymous with outdated and bureaucratic patterns. Cooperatives must be modern, adaptive, and relevant to the needs of the younger generation to achieve sustainable development.
He urged journalists to explore the human side, conflicts, struggles, and social impacts of cooperatives to make news more engaging.
“News must have a pulse and be connected to the community. If it’s just a formality, the public won’t be interested,” he said.
Through this accelerated digitalization, the Merah Putih Cooperative is expected to become a new foundation for a stronger people’s economy.
Digital transformation is believed to help cooperatives improve governance transparency, strengthen business efficiency, and open up broader economic opportunities for rural communities throughout Indonesia.
[w.R]