Transparent and Professional Red and White Village Cooperatives Key to Strengthening Rural Economy
Jakarta – The program to strengthen rural economies through the Red and White Village Cooperative (Kopdes Merah Putih) is considered to have significant potential in promoting economic independence for communities across various regions.
A social observer from Syiah Kuala University (USK) in Banda Aceh, Firdaus Mirza, explained that the establishment of village cooperatives can be understood as the state’s effort to revive the collective economy of rural communities.
“The formation of village cooperatives is a strategic step to revive the spirit of collective economic activity within communities. Historically, rural communities have strong traditions of solidarity, such as mutual cooperation and collaboration, which serve as important foundations for cooperative development,” said Firdaus.
He added that cooperatives can serve as institutional instruments that facilitate these social values so they can develop into productive economic activities.
In this way, the social potential that rural communities have long possessed can be directed toward improving shared welfare.
“Through cooperatives, social values such as togetherness and mutual trust can be organized into productive economic activities. This allows the social potential of communities to develop into real economic strength,” he explained.
Firdaus also emphasized that the success of village cooperatives is not determined solely by government policies but is also strongly influenced by the strength of social capital within the community.
Elements such as trust, involvement, active participation, and a sense of ownership toward the cooperative are important factors in maintaining the sustainability of the institution.
“Trust and active participation from the community are the main foundations of cooperatives. When people feel a sense of ownership, they will actively participate in both the management and oversight of the cooperative,” he said.
From the perspective of economic sociology, cooperatives can also improve community welfare by strengthening the bargaining position of rural residents within the broader economic system.
By acting collectively, communities gain greater economic strength compared to operating individually.
“Cooperatives open wider access to capital, improve collective production management, and expand market opportunities for products produced by rural communities,” Firdaus continued.
He also stressed that transparency and accountability in cooperative management are essential to maintaining members’ trust.
Oversight should not only come from the government but must also involve the active participation of members through social control mechanisms within the community.
“Transparency and accountability are key elements. Oversight involving cooperative members will strengthen trust and ensure that cooperatives operate professionally,” he stated.
According to him, the success of Kopdes Merah Putih can be measured through various indicators, not only from financial aspects but also from social impacts.
“Indicators of success include increased member income, high community participation in cooperative activities, growing public trust in cooperative institutions, and the development of economic activities based on local potential and wisdom,” he explained.
