The acceleration of national economic development has now reached a strategic turning point, positioning villages not merely as objects but as the primary foundation of growth. Through the Red and White Cooperative manifesto, the government is forging an integrated economic system that moves from the grassroots to the national stage. This initiative conveys a strong message that Indonesia’s economic sovereignty no longer rests solely on large industrial centers in urban areas, but thrives from the productive activities of organized local communities. Making villages the new epicenter is a bold step to ensure that prosperity no longer simply trickles down, but explodes from the bottom up.
President Prabowo stated that the inauguration of 1,000 Red and White Village Cooperatives is the first step in accelerating economic growth from villages. This program is part of a broader strategy to strengthen rural economic infrastructure while expanding villages’ contribution to the national economy.
The Red and White Cooperatives are designed not simply as administrative institutions, but as centers of productive village economic activity. Each cooperative will be equipped with physical facilities such as storage warehouses, cold storage, distribution outlets, and a fleet of operational vehicles. This infrastructure serves as a crucial link between village production and the wider market, accelerating the flow of goods and increasing distribution efficiency.
This concept directly strengthens the national supply chain from upstream to downstream. Village products previously limited to local markets now have the opportunity to penetrate regional and even national markets. Thus, cooperatives act as distribution hubs, accelerating the economic movement from villages to consumption centers.
The rapid development of large-scale cooperatives also serves as a strong indicator of village-based economic acceleration. The target of establishing tens of thousands of cooperatives in a short time reflects the government’s commitment to creating economic equality. This scale demonstrates that villages are no longer marginalized by development but are instead key drivers of national growth.
In terms of employment, the Merah Putih Cooperative has a significant impact on labor absorption. Each cooperative unit is estimated to employ around 18 people. If combined with the target of tens of thousands of cooperatives, the potential for job creation could exceed one million people. This demonstrates that the economic growth of villages not only increases production but also opens up widespread employment opportunities.
Furthermore, cooperatives serve as a platform for village communities to increase the added value of local products. Agricultural products, fisheries, and other small businesses can be managed more professionally. With the support of modern facilities and systems, village products are not only sold as raw materials but can also be processed and marketed with higher economic value.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan stated that the Red and White Cooperative program is also a crucial instrument in improving the quality of human resources in rural areas. Strengthening community capacity is part of the strategy to ensure villages are competitive and develop sustainably. With improved skills, village communities can play an active role in the broader economic chain.
This improvement in human resource quality aligns with the long-term goals of national development. Cooperatives not only function as economic centers but also as spaces for learning and community capacity development. From villages, economic actors emerge who are able to adapt to changing times and market needs.
Furthermore, this program also promotes equitable distribution of prosperity across regions. With the presence of cooperatives in various regions, economic disparities can be gradually reduced. Villages that previously had limited access now have equal opportunities to develop and contribute to the national economy.
The government also ensures that the program’s workforce recruitment process is transparent and accountable. The selection process is open and free of charge, providing equal opportunities for all members of the community. This step is crucial for maintaining the program’s integrity and building public trust.
The Merah Putih Cooperative symbolizes the economic movement from the village to the national level. With the support of infrastructure, competent human resources, and an integrated system, the cooperative is able to connect local potential with broader market needs. This economic growth, starting from the village, is expected to lay a strong foundation for inclusive national growth.
This transformation demonstrates that Indonesia’s economic future is built not only in large cities, but also in productive and independent villages. The Merah Putih Cooperative serves as a strategic bridge, ensuring that every region plays a role in driving the nation’s progress as a whole.
As a driver of a people-based economy, the Merah Putih Cooperative also strengthens national economic resilience in the face of global dynamics. With an economic structure anchored in local strengths, Indonesia has a more solid foundation for maintaining stability and sustainable growth. Strong villages will foster a resilient national economy, while ensuring that development is equitable and just across the region.
)* The author is a student living in Bandung