By: Adnan Ramdani )*
The Merah Putih Village Cooperative exists as a concrete solution to the basic needs of rural communities for access to affordable, equitable, and sustainable basic necessities. Amid fluctuating food prices and long distribution chains that often disadvantage lower-income consumers, this village cooperative serves as a strategic tool for effectively cutting through this chain.
Based on the principles of mutual cooperation and shared ownership, the Merah Putih Village Cooperative serves not only as an economic institution but also as a hub for local food sovereignty, strengthening the bargaining power of village communities. Through transparent and participatory management, the cooperative is able to provide basic necessities at lower prices without sacrificing quality, as supplies are sourced directly from major producers or distributors with whom it has long-term partnerships.
The primary advantage of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative lies in its ability to align economic interests with social values. Rather than solely pursuing profit, this cooperative prioritizes the welfare of its members and the community. A collective purchasing scheme allows the cooperative to obtain lower wholesale prices, thereby minimizing the price difference and channeling it directly to the benefit of the community. The impact is tangible: housewives gain peace of mind when managing their purchases, village MSMEs obtain raw materials at stable prices, and community purchasing power is maintained. In this context, the cooperative serves as a buffer for the people’s economy, adapting to market fluctuations.
The Merah Putih Village Cooperative is a key driver of the village economy and a supporter of grassroots businesses. Through an inclusive business mechanism, this cooperative provides space for farmers, fishermen, small traders, and village MSMEs to directly participate in a fair and mutually beneficial economic chain. Access to capital, distribution, and affordable basic necessities and raw materials makes small businesses more resilient to market fluctuations. The economic cycle within the village is strengthened, creating jobs, increasing residents’ incomes, and fostering local economic independence.
More than just a provider of affordable basic necessities, the Merah Putih Village Cooperative also serves as a driving force for the local economy. By prioritizing village products and local agricultural produce, the cooperative creates a mutually reinforcing ecosystem between producers and consumers. Farmers are assured of access to their harvests at fair prices, while consumers enjoy fresh produce at more efficient costs. This pattern reduces dependence on outside supplies and fosters a sense of pride in local products. In the long term, this healthy economic cycle contributes to increasing residents’ incomes and curbing the rate of urbanization, as villages become viable and promising places for growth.
The Merah Putih Village Cooperative is not only a business entity, but also a hub for consolidating village potential, ranging from agriculture and fisheries to small businesses and logistics and even microfinance services. There are three main aspects to strengthening Kopdes. First, strengthening the capacity of administrators and supervisors to ensure professional, transparent, and accountable management of the cooperative. Second, strengthening the cooperative’s business connectivity with markets, both local, national, and digital. Third, strengthening synergy between the cooperative, the village government, and the regional government to ensure that the cooperative becomes part of village development planning.
The success of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative is also inseparable from the support of modern and inclusive governance. The use of simple technology for stock recording, distribution, and finances makes the cooperative’s operations more accountable. Members can regularly monitor the movement of goods and finances, thereby increasing public trust. This trust serves as crucial social capital, as a trusted cooperative is more likely to grow and attract the participation of the younger generation. The involvement of village youth brings new energy, innovative ideas, and an entrepreneurial spirit that strengthens the cooperative’s competitiveness in the digital age.
From a national development perspective, the Merah Putih Village Cooperative aligns with the agenda of strengthening the people’s economy and equitable distribution of prosperity. This cooperative is a strategic partner for the government in maintaining price stability and food availability at the local level. When the village cooperative network is connected nationally, its leverage is greater: distribution is more efficient, food reserves are better managed, and crisis responses are faster. Synergy between the government, cooperatives, and businesses creates a solid foundation for food security while reducing regional disparities.
Ultimately, the Merah Putih Village Cooperative demonstrates that access to affordable basic necessities doesn’t have to rely on often-unbalanced market mechanisms. With a spirit of togetherness, good governance, and a commitment to the people, village cooperatives are able to deliver tangible, directly felt economic justice. This initiative reaffirms the cooperative’s identity as a pillar of the national economy, not just a slogan, but a lived practice relevant to the challenges of the times. When villages are empowered through cooperatives, communities gain not only affordable basic necessities but also hope, independence, and a more prosperous future.
)* Economic observer