Semarang, Central Java – Member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) of the Republic of Indonesia from Central Java, Muhdi, assessed that the development of the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperative should be creative in accordance with the local wisdom that exists in each region.
“In my opinion, the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (KMP) should not be too locked into the government’s priority programs that have been launched,” said Muhdi, in Semarang Regency, Central Java.
He made this statement at a low-cost market he initiated in collaboration with Semarang PGRI University (Upgris) and a discussion about the Merah Putih Village Cooperative in Leyangan District, Semarang Regency. The low-cost market offered 250 packages of basic necessities, priced at Rp 105,000 each, reduced to Rp 50,000.
“We’re selling groceries at more than half the price. They can get 50,000 rupiah for around 105,000 rupiah. So, that’s about a 40 percent discount,” he explained.
The senator, who is also a former Chancellor of Upgris, gave the example of the plan to make the Red and White Cooperative (KMP) an LPG agent, while in the area there are already many LPG agents, so it is not suitable.
“This lacks creativity and adaptability to local needs. There needs to be creativity in line with the local wisdom that’s needed,” he said.
Muhdi reminded that KMP operations should not interfere with planned village development, even if village funds are used. Muhdi commended the Leyangan District community for immediately operating the Merah Putih Cooperative, as their outlet was already complete.
“This will prevent a burden that creates, as before, a face-to-face situation. Hopefully, with the outlets ready, operations will begin more quickly,” added Muhdi, who is also the Chairman of the Central Java PGRI (Indonesian Teachers’ Association).
Muhdi also advised all levels of the Red and White Cooperative management and village officials to immediately socialize the cooperative’s programs to the community to avoid causing a lot of worry or misunderstanding.
“This outreach is important to build understanding and support, so as not to cause too much worry or misunderstanding,” he said.
The Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperative is an Indonesian government program launched around 2025, aiming to empower village communities through cooperatives based on mutual cooperation and family.
This program is funded by various sources, including the national budget (APBN), regional budgets (APBD), and village budgets (APBDes), as well as government bank loans. The goal is to improve the economic well-being of the community, strengthen food security, and restore the economic system to Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution. [**]