East Java – The Red and White Village/Sub-district Cooperative (KDKMP) continues to be strengthened by the government as a strategic instrument in building the economic independence of rural communities. KDKMP’s presence is positioned not only as an economic institution but also as an integrated social and economic service center capable of directly addressing various basic community needs at the village level. This step is considered part of an effort to accelerate equitable development while breaking the community’s dependence on long distribution chains that are detrimental to farmers and small businesses.
President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated the operations of 1,061 Red and White Village Cooperatives in Nganjuk Regency, East Java, as part of the acceleration of cooperative-based village economic development. Prabowo stated that the village cooperatives will become centers of community economic activity, equipped with various essential facilities. “There will be financial institution outlets in these Kopdes. With these Kopdes, I believe our growth will be real and progressive. Each village will no longer be dependent on others; they will have their own strengths,” Prabowo said at the inauguration of the cooperatives.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan emphasized that the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperative was established to restore economic strength to village communities as mandated by Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution. He said that cooperatives must become integrated economic service centers that are able to answer various community needs comprehensively.
“KDKMP is being prepared as an integrated economic service center, providing everything from subsidized fertilizer distribution, LPG distribution, affordable basic necessities, affordable credit, logistics services with Pos Indonesia, the absorption of farmers’ unhusked rice, the distribution of government aid, to pharmacy services and basic needs for village communities,” said Zulkifli Hasan in his official statement.
According to Zulhas, the existence of cooperatives also provides a concrete solution to breaking the community’s dependence on middlemen, loan sharks, and unfair market access. He noted that farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs frequently face distribution and financing issues that hinder their welfare. Therefore, the government continues to accelerate the development of KDKMPs in various regions.
The presence of the Merah Putih Cooperative is expected to be a new milestone in strengthening the people’s economy in Indonesia. With an integrated service system, the cooperative serves not only as an economic vehicle but also as a center for social empowerment of village communities. This effort is expected to strengthen village independence, improve community welfare, and create equitable development.