Synergy between Government and Community is Key to Success in Establishing Red and White Cooperative

Jakarta – The central government together with local governments continue to strengthen synergistic steps in the formation of the Red and White Village Cooperative as one of the national strategic agendas to realize community-based economic independence. This program is designed not only as a joint venture vehicle, but also as an empowerment instrument that can improve the welfare of village communities as a whole.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono emphasized that strengthening cooperatives through synergy between farmer cooperatives and Kopdes Merah Putih will create a resilient and sustainable village economic system.

“Collaboration between farmer cooperatives and Kopdes Merah Putih will be a great strength in building a strong and independent village farming system. The village head can facilitate the formation of cooperatives through a special village deliberation forum,” he said,

According to Sudaryono, of the more than 755 thousand farmer groups spread across Indonesia, only around 5,000 are legally incorporated as cooperatives. The government has even set the Government Purchase Price (HPP) for dry harvested grain at Rp6,500 per kilogram as a form of guaranteed protection for farmers.

“Through cooperatives, farmers gain easy access to production inputs such as seeds, subsidized fertilizers, and more profitable agricultural product distribution channels,” added Sudaryono.

In line with that, Deputy Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs, Ferry J. Juliantono revealed that the formation of Kopdes Merah Putih was also aimed at strengthening the role of villages in the national economic chain, especially in border areas.

“We are ready to provide full assistance and support for the establishment of Kopdes Merah Putih in Sambas. Sambas’ strategic location makes it the spearhead in realizing President Prabowo Subianto’s vision to build Indonesia from the outskirts,” he said.

Head of the Cooperatives and MSMEs Division of Riau Province, Romi, said that the Riau Provincial Government is actively accelerating the formation of village cooperatives through strategic meetings involving various stakeholders.

“Cooperatives are not just economic vehicles, but also vital empowerment instruments. The importance of cross-sector collaboration and active community participation are key to the success of the program,” he explained.

The Red and White Kopdes Program is in accordance with Presidential Instruction Number 9 of 2025 and Circular Letter of the Minister of Villages Number 6 of 2025. The government is targeting the establishment of 80,000 Red and White Kopdes by the end of the year, with the official launch planned for National Cooperative Day, July 12, 2025.

With strong synergy between the central government, regional governments, village apparatus, and the community, the Red and White Cooperative is believed to be able to become a driving force for a modern, inclusive, and sustainable people’s economy. {}