RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – President Prabowo Subianto officially launched the operations of 1,061 Merah Putih Village Cooperatives and Merah Putih Urban Cooperatives across Indonesia, marking a major step in the government’s effort to strengthen grassroots economies and accelerate village-based development.

The inauguration took place through a national Zoom meeting attended by regional leaders, military officials, and stakeholders from multiple provinces, including Banten. The launch of the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives immediately became one of the government’s key economic programs aimed at empowering local communities and improving access to economic opportunities at the village level.

During the event, officials in Banten expressed optimism that the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives program would significantly boost regional economic growth. Local leaders also pledged to speed up the establishment and operation of additional cooperatives before the government’s August deadline.

Banten Becomes Part of National Cooperative Expansion

In a statement delivered during the inauguration ceremony, regional officials confirmed that Banten became one of the provinces participating in the simultaneous launch of the 1,061 cooperatives initiated by President Prabowo.

The event involved regents, mayors, military commanders, and various local stakeholders who joined the national coordination meeting online. Officials described the launch as a collective movement designed to strengthen economic resilience in villages and urban neighborhoods.

According to the provincial report, Banten currently has a total of 1,551 Merah Putih Village Cooperatives and Merah Putih Urban Cooperatives registered across the province. Out of that number, 695 cooperatives have already started operations.

Meanwhile, another 155 cooperatives have fully established physical facilities and operational readiness, similar to the cooperative model showcased during the inauguration event.

Officials believe the rapid growth reflects strong support from local governments, communities, and security institutions working together to implement the national program.

Prabowo Targets Faster Cooperative Development

President Prabowo emphasized the importance of accelerating the cooperative movement as part of Indonesia’s broader economic strategy. The government expects regional administrations to intensify preparations and expand operational cooperatives in the coming months.

The national target focuses on increasing the number of fully functioning cooperatives before August this year. Regional governments are expected to coordinate closely with ministries, village administrations, and local institutions to achieve the goal.

Leaders in Banten responded positively to the directive. They said support from regents, mayors, the Indonesian military, and related institutions would become a crucial factor in ensuring the success of the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives initiative.

Officials also described the program as a symbol of collaboration between central and regional governments in creating sustainable economic opportunities for local residents.

Merah Putih Village Cooperatives Expected to Boost Local Economy

The Merah Putih Village Cooperatives program aims to improve economic independence in villages by encouraging community-based business activities and strengthening local supply chains.

Through the cooperative system, communities are expected to gain easier access to financing, business development programs, and distribution networks. The initiative also seeks to increase employment opportunities and improve welfare in rural areas.

Government officials believe cooperatives can become strategic tools for empowering micro and small enterprises, especially in regions that still face limited access to capital and markets.

In Banten, local authorities have started coordinating with stakeholders to ensure that newly established cooperatives can operate effectively and deliver real economic impact.

The involvement of regional leaders and security institutions during the inauguration demonstrated the government’s commitment to making the program one of the country’s major economic priorities.

Strong Support From Local Stakeholders

Provincial officials acknowledged that cooperation between local governments and community institutions remains essential for the long-term success of the program.

They also highlighted the enthusiasm shown by village administrations and residents during the operational launch. According to officials, the momentum created by President Prabowo’s inauguration should encourage faster implementation in the coming months.

As the government pushes for nationwide expansion, Banten aims to become one of the provinces with the strongest implementation rates for Merah Putih Village Cooperatives.

The province now prepares to accelerate operational readiness while maintaining coordination with all stakeholders involved in the national initiative.