The Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih) are an integral part of President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita vision, focused on achieving genuine independence through economic self-sufficiency and fair development. This initiative reflects the President’s commitment to building from the grassroots level to ensure economic equality and poverty alleviation. By launching over 80,000 Kopdes Merah Putih cooperatives in Bentangan Village, Wonosari District, Klaten Regency, Central Java, President Prabowo emphasized that true independence goes beyond symbolic gestures and must also improve the well-being of the people. These cooperatives are envisioned as engines of inclusive economic growth, empowering communities and aligning with the philosophy of development as freedom advocated by Nobel laureate Amartya Sen. The goal is to enable meaningful participation in the development process and shift towards an inclusive and liberating approach. Through Kopdes Merah Putih, President Prabowo aims to enhance grassroots involvement, boost rural economies, and improve the quality of life for farmers and fishers. These cooperatives address challenges such as low product value and market access by providing storage facilities, logistics support, and reducing dependency on intermediaries. Additionally, Kopdes Merah Putih is expected to create new jobs in rural areas, reducing youth migration to cities and stimulating local economies. By empowering young people to take charge of their future in their communities, these cooperatives offer new opportunities for growth and development at the local level.
