RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – The launch of the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives program in Banyumas Regency has started to attract strong public attention, especially from villagers hoping to buy daily necessities at lower prices than those offered by traditional neighborhood shops.

One of the first operational cooperatives, located in Kaliori Village, Kalibagor District, has become a pilot project for the national program initiated by Prabowo Subianto. Residents are now closely watching whether the cooperative can truly deliver affordable goods, support local businesses, and strengthen the rural economy.

Salamah, a 60-year-old resident of RT 3 RW 1 in Kaliori Village, admitted that she usually buys household essentials from nearby small stores. However, she said she would consider switching to the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives if the prices are cheaper and the product selection becomes more attractive.

First Operational Cooperative in Banyumas

Kaliori Village officially became home to the first fully operational Merah Putih Village Cooperative in Banyumas Regency after the government launched the program simultaneously in several regions across Central Java and East Java.

Local officials described the Kaliori cooperative as one of the region’s earliest pilot projects because it has already started selling staple food products and several daily necessities to nearby residents. The cooperative also provides space for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to display and sell village-made products.

The initiative forms part of a wider national strategy aimed at improving village economies through cooperative-based business models. Authorities in Banyumas recorded at least 41 Merah Putih Village Cooperatives that have already been inaugurated and are now operating.

At the same time, another 172 cooperatives remain under construction, while the regional government continues accelerating development across hundreds of villages.

Affordable Goods Become Main Attraction

The availability of cheaper groceries and basic goods has become the main reason villagers are interested in the new cooperative.

Many residents believe the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives could reduce household spending if they consistently offer lower prices than conventional stores. Early visitors have started checking available products while waiting for additional services to become fully operational.

Several facilities inside the Kaliori cooperative are still being prepared. Managers admitted they continue adjusting the transaction system and digital application used for daily operations.

In addition to grocery sales, the cooperative plans to provide pharmacy services and savings-and-loan programs in the future. However, those services have not yet started because preparations are still ongoing.

Despite those challenges, local officials remain optimistic that the cooperative can become a center for village economic activity.

Local MSMEs Receive New Business Opportunities

Another important aspect of the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives program is its focus on empowering local entrepreneurs.

The Kaliori cooperative has already started showcasing locally made products from village business owners. Officials expect the initiative will help MSMEs reach wider markets while encouraging villagers to support products made in their own communities.

Banyumas Regent Sadewo emphasized that the cooperative should not depend only on savings-and-loan activities. Instead, he urged village administrators to maximize each village’s economic potential through productive business activities.

According to him, every village has unique resources and local products that deserve stronger support through modern cooperative management.

Land Issues Still Slow Expansion

Even though the program continues expanding rapidly, several obstacles still affect development in some areas.

One of the biggest challenges involves land availability for new cooperative buildings. The Banyumas Regency Government said it has started helping villages resolve land-related issues so construction can continue on schedule.

Officials hope all ongoing projects can reach completion soon. Authorities also revealed that hundreds of cooperatives across the region are currently progressing toward full operational status.

Regional military representatives overseeing development in several districts stated that construction continues in more than 1,500 locations across their working area. More than 800 sites have reportedly reached full completion.

The government targets all projects to finish by the end of July as part of the broader national rollout.

Villages Expected to Follow Successful Examples

The government now expects successful pilot cooperatives like the one in Kaliori Village to inspire other villages to speed up development.

Officials believe visible operational success will encourage more communities to support the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives initiative. They also hope the program can create stronger village economies while reducing dependence on urban markets.

For many residents, however, the real test will depend on whether the cooperative consistently delivers cheaper prices, reliable services, and better economic opportunities for local communities.