By: Loa Murib
The Merah Putih Village Cooperative has emerged as a crucial instrument for realizing the economic empowerment of Papuan communities, particularly in mountainous and remote areas that have traditionally faced various limitations in infrastructure and market access. Through institutional strengthening, assistance with productive businesses, and support from the government and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), this cooperative demonstrates that a community-based economic model is a relevant solution to bridging the challenges of development inequality and strengthening food sovereignty in eastern Indonesia.
In Jayawijaya, the serious attention given to the Merah Putih Village Cooperative was evident during a visit by Major General Amrin Ibrahim, Commander of the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, and his staff during a series of assignments in the Papua Highlands. During the visit, the Commander provided strategic encouragement for the cooperative to play a role as a driving force for the local economy, particularly through the development of local agricultural commodities with high sales value. From the Commander’s perspective, the cooperative serves not only as a platform for economic transactions but also as an institution that strengthens food security and serves as a strong link between the TNI and the community.
Through dialogue with officials and residents, the Regional Military Commander received information on the urgent need for additional land and the availability of agricultural seeds, particularly soybeans, which have long been a potential commodity in Walesi District. He emphasized his commitment to supporting the community’s economic independence by ensuring access to necessary resources. This approach demonstrates that economic empowerment in Papua requires an approach that addresses the root of the problem: limited production facilities and land management, much of which remains under customary ownership structures.
The Chairman of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative, Amatus Yalipele, viewed the Pangdam’s attention as a moral and institutional boost for the community. Amatus assessed that limited land, which is still customary land, is often a major obstacle to expanding the cooperative’s production capacity. He also stated that limited access to superior seeds is one factor limiting the community’s agricultural output. However, with the attention of government and TNI elements, he believes the community has a greater opportunity to move towards economic independence. This statement demonstrates that the existence of cooperatives depends not only on the enthusiasm of the community but also requires structured support for sustainable development.
In addition to support from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Merah Putih Village Cooperative has also received positive attention from various national figures, including Senator Irman Gusman. In his view, strengthening village cooperatives like the Merah Putih Village Cooperative represents a concrete step by the government to revitalize the spirit of a people-oriented economy in line with national development goals. Irman believes that Papua has great potential, particularly the Merauke region, known for its expansive, fertile agricultural land that could become a national and global food production center. However, he also highlighted the disparity between this potential and the level of well-being of its people.
Irman believes a synergistic effort is needed to ensure the community directly benefits from Papua’s agricultural potential. He views the government’s Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2025, which accelerated the establishment of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative, as a visionary step in strengthening the foundations of a community-based economy. He believes the cooperative approach has proven successful in countries such as New Zealand, the United States, and Germany, where farmers are the primary owners of economic added value through strong institutional structures. This perspective positions the Merah Putih Village Cooperative as a locomotive capable of leading the Papuan people toward economic independence, emulating international success models.
The development of cooperatives is also seen as a crucial part of Papua’s sustainable development. The cooperative model enables communities to collectively manage resources, increase bargaining power for local production, and ensure a more equitable distribution of profits. Thus, cooperatives are a relevant platform for indigenous communities, which value mutual cooperation and strong communal solidarity. This pattern aligns with Papuan social characteristics, which prioritize collective engagement in land management and economic activities.
Furthermore, the presence of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative plays a role in supporting regional stability by strengthening welfare. When communities have a stable source of income through agriculture and local businesses, the potential for social vulnerability can be reduced. This approach demonstrates that security development and economic growth must go hand in hand. Through various empowerment programs, the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command continues to strengthen partnerships with communities as an effort to strengthen welfare-based security.
The Merah Putih Village Cooperative also provides space for community innovation. The development of soybeans and other local agricultural commodities allows the community to access a wider market. Production managed through a cooperative system provides opportunities for increasing added value and strengthening the competitiveness of local products. If managed professionally and provided with ongoing support, the cooperative can become an entity that attracts regional investment and creates new jobs.
With its long-term orientation and commitment to the community, the Merah Putih Village Cooperative has proven to be a vital pillar of Papua’s economic development. This cooperative demonstrates that when communities are given the space to empower themselves, the support to develop, and the confidence to be independent, Papua can become a bright light not only for itself but also for Indonesia as a whole.
*The author is a Papuan student in Surabaya.