Nabire — The movement to establish the Red and White Village Cooperative (KDMP) in Papua has entered a crucial phase. Central Papua has made history as the first province in Papua to successfully establish 100 percent KDMPs in all villages and sub-districts.
The Minister of Cooperatives, Budi Arie Setiadi, expressed his high appreciation for this achievement, as he considered this step to be a trigger for other provinces in the Papua region to strengthen the economic independence of villages.
“I commend Central Papua for being the first province in the Papua region to successfully establish Red and White Village Cooperatives (Kopdes) in 100 percent of all villages/sub-districts. I hope these cooperatives in Papua can serve as an example for other regions, demonstrating that economic independence can be built from the village, from the community, with a spirit of unity,” he said.
He also emphasized that Papua possesses great strength in the values of brotherhood and mutual cooperation that are deeply rooted in society. He believes that the KDMP is a platform for managing this potential to provide the best possible benefits for its citizens.
“This cooperative is not just a place to gather or do business, but a space to build mutual trust, collaborate, and ensure the results are shared by all. With the support of tribal chiefs, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and the community, KDMP will become a real force born of togetherness,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration (PDTT), Yandri Susanto, assessed that strengthening village cooperatives is in line with the vision of developing Papua from the village.
“Papua is an inseparable part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Building villages in Papua is truly building Indonesia,” he stressed.
He stated that Papua receives nearly Rp6.5 trillion in village funds annually, which serve as significant capital for stimulating the local economy. The KDMP program is designed to ensure that money flows and productive businesses actually occur in villages, so that the benefits are directly felt by the community.
“If village cooperatives are successful, the villages will benefit. Because all the money flows within the village,” he said.
The success of Central Papua is expected to serve as a starting point for replicating the KDMP movement in Papua, West Papua, Southwest Papua, South Papua, and Highland Papua. With full cross-sectoral support, village cooperatives in Papua are expected to grow into a strong and independent economic foundation, while strengthening community unity in the region.
