Jakarta — The establishment of the Red and White Village Cooperative (Kopdes Merah Putih) is considered a strategic step in strengthening the collective economy of rural communities. The cooperative is expected not only to function as an economic institution but also to revive the social solidarity values that have long been a strength of rural society.
A Social Observer from Syiah Kuala University in Banda Aceh, Firdaus Mirza, said that the formation of village cooperatives aligns with the social character of rural communities, which have long upheld the spirit of mutual cooperation.
“Historically, rural communities have had a strong tradition of solidarity, such as mutual cooperation and collaboration in various social and economic activities. The establishment of village cooperatives can be understood as the state’s effort to revive the collective economy of communities based on these shared values,” said Firdaus Mirza.
According to him, cooperatives can serve as institutional instruments capable of organizing social values within the community so that they develop into productive economic activities.
“The social potential that rural communities have long possessed is actually very significant. Through cooperatives, this potential can be facilitated and directed into collective economic activities that can improve community welfare,” he said.
Firdaus Mirza also emphasized that the success of village cooperatives does not solely depend on government policies. Another important factor is the strength of the social capital within rural communities.
“Elements such as trust, involvement, active participation, and the community’s sense of ownership of the cooperative are crucial factors that determine the sustainability of the institution,” he explained.
He added that from the perspective of economic sociology, cooperatives play a strategic role in strengthening the bargaining position of rural communities within the broader economic system.
“Through cooperatives, communities can move collectively, giving them stronger economic power compared to acting individually. Cooperatives can also expand access to capital, improve collective production management, and open wider market opportunities for rural community products,” he stated.
In addition, transparency and accountability in cooperative management are also very important to maintain members’ trust.
“Oversight of cooperatives should not only come from the government but also involve the active participation of cooperative members through social control mechanisms within the community,” said Firdaus Mirza.
He assessed that cooperatives function not only as economic institutions but also as social spaces that strengthen solidarity and a shared sense of ownership among members.
Firdaus Mirza stated that the success of the Red and White Village Cooperatives can be seen through several indicators, not only from the financial aspect but also from social aspects.
“Some indicators include increased member income, high community participation in cooperative activities, growing public trust in cooperative institutions, and the development of economic activities based on local potential and wisdom in each region,” he explained.
He believes that with proper management and strong community participation, Kopdes Merah Putih has the potential to become an important pillar in encouraging rural economic independence.
“With transparent and professional management, as well as strong community participation, Kopdes Merah Putih can become a driving force for the rural economy while strengthening community welfare in a sustainable manner,” he concluded.