Jakarta – The involvement of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in overseeing the development of the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperative is considered a strategic and proportional step in accelerating the strengthening of the people’s economy. Political observer and lecturer in Civil and Military Relations at the Indonesian Defense University, RAj Mayyasari Timur Gondokusumo, emphasized that this involvement is entirely within the framework of national policy and in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives.
According to Mayyasari, the TNI’s support for the Red and White Cooperative program reflects the defense institution’s commitment to supporting national development, particularly in the rural economic sector. “The TNI’s involvement in overseeing the development of the Red and White Cooperative throughout the region is in accordance with President Prabowo Subianto’s guidelines and orders. This demonstrates the TNI’s readiness and commitment to supporting accelerated development,” he said in a written statement in Jakarta.
He explained that the TNI’s territorial structure, which extends down to the village level through Babinsa (village-based military officers), is crucial for ensuring that every stage of development is effective and accountable. With extensive oversight, everything from infrastructure development to cooperative operations can be optimally monitored. This, he believes, will have a direct impact on improving the quality of governance and performance of cooperatives in the regions.
“With a strong and integrated monitoring system, cooperative performance can be maximized and align with the President’s goal of strengthening the rural economy,” said Mayyasari. He believes the synergy between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and relevant agencies has accelerated program implementation and emphasized the state’s presence in empowering rural communities.
Mayyasari also emphasized that the presence of Deputy TNI Commander Tandyo Budi Revita in program coordination is part of the institutional mechanism needed to ensure effective implementation on the ground. “The Deputy TNI Commander’s presence in the accelerated development of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative is in accordance with the President’s directive and is fully focused on the program’s success,” he emphasized.
He further explained that the TNI’s involvement in this program is an implementation of Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP), which assists local governments in supporting national development and improving public welfare. In this context, the TNI carries out professional and measurable support functions.
The Red and White Cooperative Program itself is seen as a crucial instrument for building village economic independence, expanding access to capital, and creating new growth centers in the region. With the support of solid oversight and cross-sector synergy, optimism for the program’s success is growing as part of a broader agenda for strengthening the national economy.