The Merah Putih Village Cooperative Promotes Mutual Cooperation-Based Economic Independence in Papua
By: Novita Wanimbo )*
The establishment of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative in Papua marks a major step in building economic independence from the grassroots. Central Papua has made history as the first province in the Papua region to successfully establish the Merah Putih Village Cooperative in all villages and sub-districts, with a 100 percent success rate. This success is not only a symbol of administrative achievement but also concrete evidence that strengthening the local economy can begin in the villages.
Minister of Cooperatives, Budi Arie Setiadi, expressed high appreciation for Central Papua’s achievements. He stated that this success is a positive catalyst for other provinces in Papua to optimize village potential. He emphasized that economic independence can be built through active community participation and a spirit of unity. This view aligns with the cooperative philosophy as a platform for mutual cooperation rooted in the values of togetherness and mutual trust.
Strengthening cooperatives in Papua is not only focused on business activities but also on reviving the values of brotherhood. Budi Arie Setiadi emphasized that the Merah Putih Village Cooperative must become a center of social trust, where the fruits of collective labor are enjoyed equitably by all members. Support from tribal chiefs, traditional leaders, religious figures, and the community is key to the cooperative’s continued success. This synergy will make the Merah Putih Village Cooperative a real economic force, growing from the togetherness of Papuan residents.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration (PDTT), Yandri Susanto, believes that strengthening village cooperatives aligns with the vision of developing Papua from the village level. According to him, developing villages in Papua is essentially building Indonesia as a whole. This view emphasizes that villages are at the forefront of creating national economic independence.
Each year, Papua receives nearly Rp6.5 trillion in village funds, which serve as significant capital for stimulating the local economy. Yandri Susanto explained that the Merah Putih Village Cooperative is designed to ensure the circulation of money and productive businesses at the village level. This ensures that the direct benefits of economic activity reach local communities. This effectiveness will ensure that village funds serve not only as a development budget but also as productive investment capital for residents.
The success of Central Papua is expected to become a model for replication in West Papua, Southwest Papua, South Papua, and Highland Papua. The central and regional governments, together with communities, have a significant opportunity to establish village cooperatives as a foundation for a resilient economy. Through cross-sector synergy, village cooperatives can develop into a vital instrument for strengthening unity and social stability in Papua.
Beyond the economic aspect, the Merah Putih Village Cooperative also serves as a vehicle for human resource empowerment. The cooperative can serve as a training center for entrepreneurship, financial management, and the use of appropriate technology. This is particularly relevant for Papua, which has significant potential in the agriculture, fisheries, and handicrafts sectors. With proper management, local products can penetrate national and even international markets.
Furthermore, village cooperatives can be a catalyst for developing the creative economy in Papua. Papuan crafts, arts, and culinary products have high market value when packaged in a modern way and marketed through digital platforms. The involvement of the younger generation is crucial in this process, allowing cooperatives to serve as a space for cross-generational interaction, connecting experience with innovation.
Government policy support is crucial to ensuring the sustainability of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative. Facilitation of cooperative management training, capital assistance, and market access must be continuously strengthened. Regulations that facilitate cooperatives’ access to financial and technological support will accelerate the transformation of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative into an effective economic driver.
Equally important, oversight and transparency are key factors in maintaining member trust. Cooperatives that are managed transparently and accountably will encourage active member participation and strengthen their position as pillars of the village economy. In this regard, the participation of traditional leaders and local communities is crucial for the cooperative’s integrity.
The Merah Putih Village Cooperative also aligns with the spirit of equitable national development. Papua, with all its natural and cultural riches, has great potential to become a center of economic growth in eastern Indonesia. The success of Central Papua exemplifies how a community-based approach can produce real change. If this movement is consistently replicated, Papua will have a strong, independent and competitive economic base.
Ultimately, village cooperatives are not just business entities, but symbols of independence and unity. The Merah Putih Village Cooperative exists to demonstrate that a community-based economy can be the answer to development challenges in a region with unique geographic and social characteristics like Papua. With full support from all parties, the Merah Putih Village Cooperative will become a new milestone for Papua, where economic progress and social unity go hand in hand, leading the community towards a more prosperous and empowered future.
)* The author is an observer of Papuan development
