President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to inaugurate the Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih (Village/Urban Cooperative “Merah Putih”) on Monday, July 21, 2025, in Jakarta. This initiative is a vital aspect of the President’s sixth Asta Cita aimed at boosting local economies and tackling poverty starting from the grassroots level. Hasan Nasbi, the Head of Presidential Communications, explained that the Kopdes Merah Putih is part of the administration’s three-pronged approach known as the “trident of poverty eradication,” with a focus on health, education, and socio-economic development programs.
The Free Health Check Program in Schools, the People’s School, and the Kopdes Merah Putih embody these three elements, emphasizing tangible welfare improvements rather than symbolic gestures. Launched through a Presidential Instruction in March 2025 to accelerate the establishment of the cooperatives, the Kopdes Merah Putih program aims to uplift communities from poverty, reduce inequality, and enhance the national economy from the village level upwards.
With the involvement of thirteen ministries, two national agencies, governors, mayors, regents, and village heads across Indonesia, the program addresses the root causes of poverty that hinder access to essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. By focusing on poverty alleviation, the initiative seeks to pave the way for realizing the Indonesia Emas 2045 vision.
Adopting an inclusive and community-driven approach, the Kopdes Merah Putih is set to strengthen rural economies, enhance food security, and combat illegal lending practices. Farmers stand to benefit significantly from direct agricultural product purchasing at fair prices, thereby reducing the influence of middlemen and ensuring sustainable economic growth.
Through the establishment, expansion, and revitalization of cooperatives, the program aims to provide essential facilities such as cooperative offices, basic food outlets, savings and loan units, rural clinics, cold storage facilities, and logistics hubs. These initiatives are geared towards increasing access to affordable goods, financial services, healthcare, and efficient agricultural supply chains within rural communities.
