President Prabowo Subianto will be inaugurating the Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih (Village/Urban Cooperative “Merah Putih”) on Monday, July 21, 2025. This initiative is in line with the President’s sixth Asta Cita (Visionary Aspiration) to revitalize local economies and combat poverty starting from the village level. Hasan Nasbi, Head of Presidential Communications, stated that Kopdes Merah Putih is part of a trident approach to eradicating poverty, focusing on health, education, and socio-economic development. These initiatives, including the Free Health Check Program in Schools and the People’s School, aim to deliver tangible welfare improvements beyond symbolic gestures and are key components of the administration’s commitment to uplifting communities. The Kopdes Merah Putih program, outlined in Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2025, aims to strengthen the national economy by empowering villages, reducing inequality, and breaking the cycle of poverty. With the involvement of thirteen ministries, two national agencies, governors, mayors, regents, and village heads, the program seeks to address the root causes of poverty and improve access to essential services like education and healthcare. By establishing 80,000 Kopdes nationwide, the initiative aims to create inclusive and community-driven cooperatives that enhance rural economies, enhance food security, and combat poverty. Through various strategies, such as cutting out exploitative intermediaries and bolstering local businesses, Kopdes Merah Putih aims to provide tangible benefits to local communities and elevate their overall well-being. The program’s emphasis on prosperity for farmers and the establishment of essential facilities like cooperative offices, savings and loan units, and cold storage facilities will contribute to the program’s success in achieving its goals of sustainable economic growth and poverty alleviation.
Kopdes Merah Putih: Prabowo’s Engine for Village Economies
