Presiden Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita vision is being realized through the establishment of Merah Putih Village/Kelurahan Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih) to achieve true independence and economic self-reliance. Fithra Faisal, Senior Expert at the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), emphasized the President’s commitment to building economic equity and eradicating poverty from the grassroots level. The launch of over 80,000 Kopdes Merah Putih cooperatives in Bentangan Village, Wonosari District, Klaten Regency, Central Java, signifies the importance of inclusive economic growth and community empowerment. President Prabowo highlighted the role of cooperatives in creating a better life for all, emphasizing the need for grassroots participation in the development process.
Kopdes Merah Putih embodies the philosophy of development as freedom, inspired by Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, focusing on removing “unfreedoms” such as poverty and hunger while expanding human capabilities. The cooperatives aim to improve rural economies, enhance livelihoods, and reduce dependency on middlemen by providing storage facilities, logistics support, and job opportunities. By empowering communities and fostering local economies, Kopdes Merah Putih seeks to prevent youth migration to urban centers and create a sustainable future in villages. Through these initiatives, President Prabowo aims to achieve true independence by advancing economic equity and promoting inclusive development.
