Empowering Rural Communities: Merah Putih Village Cooperative

The Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan (Village/Urban Village Cooperative) Merah Putih has been established as part of President Prabowo Subianto’s efforts to enhance rural economies and uplift communities in villages throughout Indonesia. This initiative signifies a significant milestone towards village-based national development, emphasizing the autonomy of local resources management. Senior Advisor at the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), Adita Irawati, lauded the program as a means to achieve “economic independence” for rural communities, allowing them to flourish economically. By transitioning from reliance on social assistance to productive economic empowerment, the initiative aims to address the fundamental challenges faced by villages and urban neighborhoods nationwide. President Prabowo launched 80,081 Kopdes Merah Putih cooperatives on July 21, 2025, in a strategic move to establish a self-reliant, inclusive, and equitable economy. These cooperatives play a vital role in creating employment, promoting entrepreneurship, and bolstering local production centers sustainably. The program, aligning with the Asta Cita’s third pillar, aims to leverage cooperatives as a catalyst for rural economic growth. Dedi Nurendi, head of the Kopdes Merah Putih in Cileunyi Wetan village, Bandung regency, West Java, highlighted the positive impact of the cooperative in addressing the community’s economic needs. By providing essential goods directly to residents at fair prices, these cooperatives play a crucial role in enhancing economic well-being and fostering a spirit of mutual cooperation within communities.

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