PAPUA – The presence of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (Kopdes) in Papua further reinforces the government’s commitment to building economic independence and equity, extending to remote areas. The policy of accelerating cooperative formation through Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2025 is a strategic step demonstrating the government’s clear commitment to strengthening community-based economies. By focusing on village empowerment, the government is positioning Papua as a center for inclusive and sustainable people-based economic transformation.
Regional Representative Council (DPD) member Irman Gusman expressed high optimism regarding the policy to strengthen the Red and White Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih). He viewed the government’s move as a visionary decision that places the people at the center of national development. He emphasized that cooperatives have proven to be a modern pillar driving the economy in various developed countries.
“We are following global best practices, and Papua has great potential to become a successful example of the cooperative model in Indonesia,” he said.
Irman also emphasized that strengthening the Red and White Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih) is not merely a technical program, but a representation of the spirit of mutual cooperation, a key national characteristic. He believes that village development is a crucial foundation for Indonesia to achieve strong and equitable economic equality.
Efforts to strengthen cooperatives in Papua have received full support from the regional government. Papua Pegunungan Governor John Tabo officially opened the Red and White Village Cooperative Training, attended by representatives from eight districts. The event, combined with the distribution of Rp36.9 billion in business capital assistance to 4,350 MSMEs, demonstrated the regional government’s commitment to implementing the national agenda of strengthening the people’s economic structure.
“Cooperatives are drivers of change. Through the Red and White Village Cooperatives, Papuan communities will become more empowered and independent,” John Tabo emphasized.
He also emphasized the importance of accelerating the formation of cooperatives in underdeveloped districts. This commitment is driven by the desire to ensure that no region is left behind in Papua’s economic transformation process. The local government continues to encourage community capacity building through training programs that emphasize modern, transparent, and accountable cooperative management.
This step by the central and regional governments ensures that the use of Special Autonomy Funds is more targeted and has a real impact on the community. By strengthening cooperatives, the government is creating a mechanism for equitable distribution of economic benefits down to the grassroots level. The Red and White Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih) is projected to become a new economic development model, providing broader access for farmers, fishermen, MSMEs, and indigenous communities to capital, technology, and business mentoring.
With strong policy support, adequate funding, and consistent political commitment, the Red and White Village Cooperative (Kopdes Merah Putih) has become a symbol of the state’s presence in Papua. This cooperative not only strengthens the village economy but also serves as a crucial pillar leading Papua towards a more independent, prosperous, and inclusive future.