President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to inaugurate the Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih (Village/Urban Cooperative “Merah Putih”) on July 21, 2025. This initiative is part of the President’s Asta Cita to revive local economies and address poverty starting from the village level. The Kopdes Merah Putih is a key component of the administration’s poverty eradication strategy, which consists of three core elements: health, education, and socio-economic development. These initiatives are not just symbolic gestures but practical programs aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
The Kopdes Merah Putih program, launched through Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2025, focuses on building the national economy from the grassroots level to reduce inequality and lift communities out of poverty. With the involvement of thirteen ministries, two national agencies, and various local government officials, the program aims to address the root causes of poverty that hinder access to vital services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
To tackle the challenge of poverty, the program is set to establish 80,000 Kopdes Merah Putih institutions, with 103 designated as model prototypes. These cooperatives will serve as a proof-of-concept, showcasing the benefits they can provide to local communities. By adopting an inclusive and community-driven approach, the cooperatives are expected to boost rural economies, enhance food security, and alleviate poverty.
With the expansion of Kopdes Merah Putih, the program aims to eliminate illegal lending practices, predatory lenders, and exploitative middlemen in rural economies. By directly purchasing agricultural products from farmers, the cooperatives aim to cut out intermediaries, shorten supply chains, and lower prices for consumers. The program will establish new cooperatives, expand existing ones, and revitalize underperforming ones, providing essential services like healthcare, loans, and logistics support to rural communities.
In conclusion, the Kopdes Merah Putih program is designed to empower local communities, improve access to essential goods and services, and enhance the overall well-being of rural areas. By investing in cooperative initiatives and promoting economic growth at the grassroots level, President Prabowo’s administration is taking concrete steps towards achieving the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.
