By: Dodik Prasetyo)*
President Prabowo Subianto’s administration is affirming a new direction for national development through a down-to-earth strategy: creating as many jobs as possible and strengthening the village economy as a center of growth. This policy is not simply a response to current economic challenges, but also a long-term foundation for realizing a more just, balanced, and independent Indonesia. Through an approach that combines infrastructure breakthroughs, agricultural revitalization, strengthening village cooperatives, and human resource development, the government strives to ensure that prosperity reaches the grassroots.
This commitment is evident in the government’s boldness in implementing various programs that directly address the needs of the common people. From special farmer trains that reduce logistics costs, agricultural downstreaming worth hundreds of trillions of rupiah, to village cooperatives as new economic hubs in remote areas, all demonstrate that the current government views villages not as underdeveloped areas, but as economic powerhouses that have not been fully utilized.
One of the most symbolic steps is the operation of special trains for farmers and traders , designed to meet the need for faster, cheaper, and more efficient distribution of agricultural products from villages to cities. During his inspection, President Prabowo emphasized that the trains provide significant relief for farmers, as they only need to pay for their own travel expenses, while their goods can be transported at no additional cost. This simple yet impactful policy reduces the distribution burden and helps maintain the quality of commodities upon arrival at urban trading centers.
The train, which serves routes such as Rangkasbitung, Serang, and Merak, also strengthens the national logistics chain. With carriage designs that allow for the transport of fresh commodities, farmers can ensure their products remain marketable. This breakthrough demonstrates how the government views distribution as a crucial link in increasing public income. When logistics costs decrease, farmers’ profits increase, and the resulting domino effect boosts the rural economy.
Meanwhile, macroeconomic indicators also confirm growing public confidence in job opportunities . A Bank Indonesia survey showed that the Job Availability Index (IKLK) in October 2025 rose to 102.6, signaling optimism after months of pessimism. The report noted that public perception of job opportunities improved across all education and age groups. The Consumer Confidence Index also jumped to 121.2, reflecting increased public confidence in economic conditions.
The government’s efforts go beyond improving public transportation. More structural policies have also been launched in the food and rural sectors. The Rp371 trillion agricultural downstreaming program , announced by Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman , represents a major milestone in modernizing national commodities. He explained that the investment is projected to create up to eight million jobs, with three million new opportunities in the initial implementation phase. This program not only increases the added value of commodities but also prepares millions of villagers to participate in the food processing, livestock, and plantation industries.
At the same time, the government is accelerating the establishment of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative , a structured instrument for strengthening the village economy. According to the latest data, more than 15,000 cooperatives were operational as of October 2025, and the government is targeting 80,000 units by the end of next year. Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) , Maman Abdurrahman, believes that village cooperatives serve as distribution centers, providing access to capital, and providing business training, thus empowering rural communities to take control of their own economies.
President Prabowo views village cooperatives as the foundation for economic equality and national independence. On numerous occasions, he has emphasized that development must start from the bottom up—from strong villages and self-sufficient communities. With cooperatives as economic hubs, villages are no longer objects of development, but rather drivers of growth.
Furthermore, the village economic transformation is also supported by the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program , which is considered to have a multiplier effect. Rifky Hermiansyah, Secretary of Commission V of the Banten Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) , explained that MBG not only improves student health but also stimulates the local economy through the involvement of farmers, culinary MSMEs, and fishermen. The economic turnover occurring at the village level demonstrates that social policies can be economic drivers when designed inclusively.
This entire series of policies demonstrates a consistent direction: the Prabowo administration is making significant investments in villages and creating sustainable jobs. Through downstreaming, community logistics, village cooperatives, and economy-based social programs, the government is building a new economic structure that is more equitable and stronger than before.
In the context of national development, these steps represent a systematic effort to ensure that the nation’s competitiveness is built on a solid foundation: working people, empowered villages, and a growing economy from the ground up. Equality is no longer just jargon, but a concrete process underway on the ground. With this policy direction, Indonesia is moving toward a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient economic future.
)* The author is a contributor to the Pertiwi Institute