President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita vision of achieving true independence through economic self-reliance and equitable development is being realized by the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih). This initiative, with over 80,000 cooperatives launched in Bentangan Village, Wonosari District, Klaten Regency, Central Java, aims to empower communities and promote inclusive economic growth from the grassroots level up. Embodying the philosophy of development as freedom introduced by Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, these cooperatives seek to eradicate poverty, hunger, and lack of political agency while enhancing human capabilities.
The President emphasized the importance of cooperatives as a collective effort to improve the quality of life for all citizens. By providing storage warehouses, cold storage facilities for fishers, and logistics support, Kopdes Merah Putih helps farmers and fishers preserve their produce longer, increasing its value and income. This initiative also reduces dependency on middlemen, leading to streamlined production and increased efficiency in rural economies.
Furthermore, the establishment of these cooperatives is expected to create new job opportunities in rural areas, thereby preventing youth migration to urban centers. With each cooperative potentially employing six individuals, 80,000 cooperatives could generate approximately 480,000 direct jobs nationwide. This not only benefits the economy but also empowers young people to build their future in their hometowns and contribute to local economic growth.
President Prabowo’s commitment to stronger grassroots participation and economic empowerment through the Kopdes Merah Putih cooperatives reflects the Asta Cita vision of achieving true independence by prioritizing the well-being and economic security of all citizens.
