President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita vision includes the establishment of Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih) to achieve true independence through economic self-reliance and equitable development. This initiative aims to build from the grassroots level to eradicate poverty and promote economic equity. Fithra Faisal, a Senior Expert at the Presidential Communication Office, emphasized the importance of these cooperatives in empowering communities and boosting inclusive economic growth.
During the launch of over 80,000 Kopdes Merah Putih cooperatives in Central Java, President Prabowo highlighted the significance of true independence reflecting in the well-being of the people. These cooperatives serve as a collective effort to improve the lives of all individuals. Inspired by Nobel laureate Amartya Sen’s philosophy of development as freedom, Kopdes Merah Putih focuses on removing “unfreedoms” such as poverty and hunger while expanding human capabilities.
The main objective of Kopdes Merah Putih is to enhance rural economies and elevate the quality of life for farmers and fishers. By providing storage facilities, logistics support, and reducing dependency on middlemen, these cooperatives aim to increase the value and income of agricultural products. Additionally, the creation of new rural jobs through these cooperatives helps prevent youth migration to urban areas, thereby stimulating local economies and fostering opportunities for young people in their hometowns.
