President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita vision includes the establishment of the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih) as a means to achieve economic self-reliance and balanced development. The goal is to focus on building from the grassroots level to eradicate poverty and promote economic equity. Fithra Faisal, a Senior Expert at the Presidential Communication Office, emphasized that the President’s programs are in line with the Asta Cita vision, aiming to improve the well-being of the people.
During the launch of over 80,000 Kopdes Merah Putih cooperatives in Bentangan Village, President Prabowo highlighted that true independence goes beyond national symbols and should also reflect in the people’s quality of life. He emphasized that cooperatives play a crucial role in creating a better life for all individuals. The philosophy behind Kopdes Merah Putih aligns with the idea of development as freedom, as advocated by Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, focusing on removing barriers like poverty and hunger while enhancing human capabilities.
The primary objective of Kopdes Merah Putih is to empower communities and stimulate economic growth from the ground up. By providing storage facilities, logistical support, and reducing reliance on middlemen, the cooperatives aim to enhance rural economies and improve the livelihoods of farmers and fishers. Additionally, the cooperatives are expected to create new job opportunities in rural areas, reducing youth migration to urban centers and promoting local economic development.
By establishing Kopdes Merah Putih cooperatives, President Prabowo seeks to foster stronger grassroots participation in the development process, ensuring that communities can actively engage in shaping their future. Through these initiatives, young people can explore new opportunities in their villages and contribute to building a more prosperous future for their hometowns.
