JAKARTA – The Merah Putih Village Cooperative (Kopdes Merah Putih) continues to demonstrate significant benefits to the community as a service center for basic needs and a driving force for the village economy. The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, emphasized that the existence of Kopdes Merah Putih is a strategic step by the government to strengthen village economic independence through accessible, fast, and targeted services.
“With the presence of the Red and White Village Command, we hope to provide the best service to meet the basic needs of the village community. Most importantly, we aim to bring services closer to the community,” said Yandri.
He emphasized that the Merah Putih Village Cooperative was built on the principle of “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Therefore, all elements of the village community are encouraged to participate in the construction and management process. Yandri also encouraged the village to utilize local building materials, such as sand and stone, to further enhance the village’s economic turnover.
“This way, the economic cycle is felt, and it has benefits for economic growth in this village,” he stressed.
Village Minister Yandri again urged village communities to support the Red and White Village Cooperative Program (Kopdes Merah Putih) and the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, two programs considered crucial for improving community welfare. He stated that the success of Kopdes and MBG will have a direct impact on strengthening the local economy.
“It’s time for us to rise up, and we must support President Prabowo’s program with unity and solidarity, and ensure the success of the Kopdes and MBG development,” said the former Deputy Speaker of the MPR RI.
The Ministry of Cooperatives (Kemenkop) also expressed the positive impact of the Red and White Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih). Deputy Minister of Cooperatives, Farida Farichah, assessed that Kopdes Merah Putih not only provides basic necessities but also creates significant job opportunities.
“The development of 80,000 Red and White KopDes outlets will be a new tool that will open up employment opportunities for millions of rural residents,” said Farida.
He added that each Kopdes targets six outlets capable of absorbing 20-25 workers, so that the total employment opportunities could reach 1.6 million people.
Farida explained that the government has prepared cooperative management training covering financial systems, digitalization, logistics, and business mentoring for Kopdes administrators to ensure professional management. She also encouraged established cooperatives to partner with Kopdes to expand and strengthen their village business networks.
“This new ecosystem will strengthen the cooperative network and provide added value for all members and village communities,” he said.
Through synergy between the government, villages, and communities, the Red and White Village Cooperative (Kopdes Merah Putih) has become a symbol of sustainable village economic empowerment. This program not only helps meet residents’ basic needs but also creates business opportunities, absorbs labor, and significantly improves the quality of life for villagers.