Jakarta – The Government continues to accelerate the establishment of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative across Indonesia as part of its strategy to strengthen the people’s economy and improve the welfare of rural communities. The program has been implemented in 38 provinces and has received appreciation from various parties, as it is considered capable of strengthening village economic institutions while expanding access to financing and productive business opportunities for the community.
A representative of the Merah Putih Village/Urban Cooperative Association of Indonesia, Zainuddin, stated that the association has begun consolidating efforts to accelerate the development of Merah Putih Village/Urban Cooperatives (KDMP) nationwide.
“We already have networks in 38 provinces that will be incorporated into the Regional Leadership Council (DPW) structure. Going forward, we will conduct hearings with the House of Representatives (DPR RI) and the Ministry of Cooperatives so that the association can play an active role in accelerating KDMP activities throughout Indonesia,” Zainuddin said.
The association also expressed its support for government programs, including collaboration between KDMP and MBG. This collaboration is expected to drive the rural and urban village economy more massively.
“Hopefully, cooperation between the Merah Putih Cooperative and MBG can revitalize the economies of villages and urban communities, while also encouraging national economic growth,” he added.
Meanwhile, President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the Merah Putih Village Cooperative is an important instrument in realizing people’s economic independence and equitable development. Village cooperatives must become centers of healthy, transparent economic activity that side with the interests of small communities.
“Village cooperatives are the backbone of the people’s economy. The government will ensure that cooperatives are managed professionally and truly provide benefits to the community,” the President stressed.
In line with this, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan stated that the acceleration of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative program is being carried out through strengthened cross-ministerial coordination, local government involvement, as well as regulatory and financing support. According to him, the program is designed to boost village productivity while strengthening the ecosystem of people’s businesses across all regions.
“Village cooperatives will serve as engines of local economic growth and strengthen community economic resilience,” he said.
Zulkifli added that the implementation of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative program in 38 provinces demonstrates the government’s commitment to building the economy from villages as the foundation of national growth.
“This program is in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision to strengthen the people’s economy, expand employment opportunities, and reduce regional disparities,” he concluded.
The government believes that appreciation from various stakeholders serves as positive encouragement to continue accelerating the implementation of this program. Through the strengthening of village cooperative institutions, rural communities are expected to become more empowered, economically independent, and capable of sustainably improving their quality of life.
Going forward, the government will continue to strengthen synergy among ministries, local governments, and other stakeholders to ensure that the Merah Putih Village Cooperative operates effectively and sustainably. This program underscores the state’s presence in developing the people’s economy from villages as a main pillar of inclusive and sustainable national development.