In August 13, 2025, the Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan (Village/Urban Village Cooperative) Merah Putih was introduced as part of President Prabowo Subianto’s effort to enhance rural economies and elevate the welfare of village communities in Indonesia. This initiative signifies a significant milestone in village-based national development, empowering communities to manage their own resources and achieve economic independence.
The Kopdes Merah Putih initiative, described by Adita Irawati, Senior Advisor at the Presidential Communication Office, aligns with Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day celebrations and aims to transition villages from reliance on social aid to sustainable economic empowerment. Despite facing challenges such as insufficient storage for fish catch and debt burden on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), this program strives to bridge existing gaps in basic needs and economic development.
President Prabowo’s launch of 80,081 Kopdes Merah Putih cooperatives on July 21, 2025, is a strategic move to establish a self-sufficient, inclusive, and fair economy. These cooperatives play a vital role in driving rural economic growth, creating job opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship, and supporting local production hubs sustainably. By shortening distribution chains and ensuring direct access to essential goods at reasonable prices, these cooperatives aim to benefit villagers and urban residents alike.
For Dedi Nurendi, the head of Kopdes Merah Putih in Cileunyi Wetan village, Bandung regency, West Java, the program has already made a positive impact. It addresses residents’ concerns about accessibility to basic necessities and liberates them from reliance on informal lenders. Dedi emphasizes the significance of cooperative participation in meeting community economic needs and fostering a culture of mutual collaboration. Let’s join forces with cooperatives as a community-driven solution for economic empowerment and shared prosperity.
