JAKARTA – The Merah Putih Village Cooperative continues to receive widespread support from the community for its role in providing basic necessities at affordable prices. Through efficient distribution management and a spirit of togetherness, this cooperative presents a real solution to strengthening residents’ purchasing power while simultaneously stimulating the local economy.
Deputy Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono stated that the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperative has now obtained access to financing through four Himbara banks, namely BNI, BRI, BSI, and Bank Mandiri, following the issuance of Minister of Finance Regulation (PMK) Number 63 of 2025.
The PMK regulates the use of the 2025 State Budget surplus of Rp16 trillion to support bank credit distribution to Kopdes/Kel Merah Putih (Red and White Village Cooperatives). This policy marks a significant milestone in strengthening the business capacity of cooperatives throughout Indonesia.
“With PMK Number 63, Himbara banks can now disburse the ceiling provided by the Ministry of Finance,” said Ferry.
Meanwhile, in another location, the Chairman of the Red and White Cooperative (KMP) Lempake Samarinda, Adung KS Utomo, assessed that the high level of community participation was a strong indicator of public trust in the Red and White Village Cooperative as a pillar of a sustainable people’s economy that sides with the interests of the people.
“The public’s enthusiasm for this cooperative is quite high,” said Adung.
As a pilot cooperative in East Kalimantan, KKMP Lempake has demonstrated promising performance, recording daily turnover of around Rp 3–5 million, despite only operating one grocery store with limited operating hours. Its staple products, sold directly by state-owned enterprises, are a major draw, as they are readily available to the public at more affordable prices.
Sales of Minyakita and SPHP rice are a major contributor to the high demand from residents. Minyakita cooking oil, for example, is sold at Rp 15,700 per liter and is highly sought after. Meanwhile, sales of SPHP rice at the Lempake KKMP have reached up to 2.5 tons per week, reflecting the cooperative’s significant role in maintaining stable food supplies and prices locally.
Similar optimism was evident at the KKMP Banyuanyar in Solo. Cooperative administrator Sri Mulyani stated that the high level of public interest was a significant motivation for the cooperative to continue growing and expanding its business offerings to meet community needs.
Government support for strengthening cooperatives is increasingly evident. The government hopes that this easier access to financing will further strengthen the role of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative as the vanguard of the people’s economy, maintaining price stability, and ensuring easy, fair, and affordable access to basic necessities for the community.