Jakarta — The government continues to strengthen the foundations of the people’s economy by accelerating the operationalization of the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives (KDKMP) as integrated service centers for rural communities. This strategic step was marked by the inauguration of 1,061 KDKMPs by Prabowo Subianto in Nglawak Village, Kertosono District, Nganjuk Regency, East Java.
The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the national village-based economic development agenda. A total of 530 cooperatives have begun operating in East Java and 531 in Central Java, spread across various regencies and cities. These cooperatives are projected to become a driving force for the local economy and strengthen national food security at the village level.
During his visit, President Prabowo directly reviewed the readiness of the facilities of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative in Nglawak Village, starting from the food distribution system, agricultural product management, warehousing, to logistical support and operational vehicles.
The government aims for cooperatives to function not only as savings and loans, but also to develop into integrated service centers capable of connecting the production, distribution, and marketing of village products.
“Today is an important day, a historic milestone. I think if we look in other countries, let alone in our nation’s history, if we look for a country, a government that officially launched the physical operation of over a thousand cooperatives—buildings, warehouses, systems, supplies, staff, logistics, trucks, pickup trucks, and three-wheeled vehicles—I think today is quite significant,” the President said.
The President also revealed that more than 9,000 buildings, warehouses, and cooperative systems are physically ready for development in various regions. He stated that this accelerated development demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening the village economy as the backbone of national growth.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan emphasized that the Red and White Cooperative is an instrument of economic justice that positions the community as the main actor in development.
“This is a form of constitutional economy. The state is not present for a handful of groups, but ensures that the people are the main actors and main beneficiaries of development,” said Zulhas.
On the other hand, Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono said that the program is now entering the operational stage after the process of establishing a legal entity, building outlets, and warehousing is completed.
According to Ferry, strengthening village-based cooperatives is a strategic step to create economic independence for communities while expanding access to basic needs services, business financing, and distribution of agricultural products within an integrated ecosystem.
By strengthening the Red and White Cooperative, the government demonstrates its commitment to inclusive development oriented toward the welfare of the people. Cooperatives are now positioned not merely as traditional economic institutions, but as integrated village service centers, key drivers of national economic growth from the grassroots level.