Jakarta — The government aims to have 30,000 “Merah Putih” Village/Urban Village Cooperatives (KDMP) fully constructed and operational by August 16, 2026. This target, coinciding with the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s independence, is projected to be a key driver for equitable development and economic self-reliance in rural areas.
Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan emphasized that the physical construction and operational preparations for these cooperatives are being accelerated across Indonesia in the lead-up to Independence Day.
“The government targets the completion and full operation of over 30,000 KDMP units by August 16. God willing,” he stated.
According to Zulkifli Hasan, physical construction of the cooperatives is progressing across various regions. To date, 9,294 units have completed physical construction. This figure is expected to rise as the pace of construction reaches 150 to 200 units per day.
Beyond focusing on physical infrastructure, the government is also preparing for the cooperatives’ operations and the human resources who will manage business activities at the village level.
A total of 1,061 cooperatives have been declared ready for full operation, while the recruitment process for 30,000 cooperative managers is currently underway.
“They will serve as the driving force behind the cooperatives, overseeing food discipline and ensuring that economic benefits flow back to the village communities,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, 3,258 Merah Putih Cooperatives have been established in South Sumatra, covering all villages and urban villages in the province. Of these, 521 locations across 17 regencies and cities have fully completed physical construction. Morena, Head of the Cooperative Empowerment Division at the South Sumatra Cooperatives and SMEs Agency, stated that all cooperatives across South Sumatra are being prepared for a simultaneous launch on August 17, 2026.
“The launch will take place simultaneously on August 17, 2026. We are currently in the preparatory phase of stocking the necessary supplies for the ‘Merah Putih’ Village/Urban Village Cooperatives,” she said.
Through the strengthening of these Merah Putih Cooperatives, it is hoped that the spirit of independence will be realized through the community’s economic self-reliance.
These cooperatives can serve as hubs for distributing basic necessities, marketing local products, and fostering community business development, while also driving economic activity that directly benefits village residents.