RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – The Indonesian government continues to accelerate the launch of the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives program as more than 1,000 cooperative units in Central Java and East Java prepare to begin operations simultaneously.
Cooperatives Minister Feri Juliantono and Deputy TNI Commander General Tandyo Budi Revita recently visited the Merah Putih Village Cooperative in Kragilan Village, Mojosongo District, Boyolali Regency, Central Java. During the working visit, they checked the final preparations before the official inauguration on May 16.
President Prabowo Subianto will officially launch the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives program virtually from Nganjuk, East Java. The ceremony will also connect with several regions across Indonesia that have prepared cooperative units for operation.
Government Speeds Up Cooperative Preparations
Feri Juliantono said regional governments and cooperative managers continue to finalize operational preparations in various areas. Officials want every cooperative unit to operate smoothly immediately after the inauguration ceremony.
The government designed the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives program to strengthen the rural economy through community-based business activities. The initiative also aims to improve local distribution systems and encourage economic independence in villages.
Local administrations have coordinated closely with cooperative managers to complete licensing, administration, and operational requirements. Authorities also continue to monitor readiness in each participating region.
General Tandyo Budi Revita joined the inspection to ensure coordination among institutions runs effectively. His presence also showed the government’s strong commitment to supporting the cooperative program at the national level.
More Than 1,000 Cooperative Units Ready
Feri confirmed that 1,061 Merah Putih Village Cooperatives in Central Java and East Java have completed preparations for simultaneous inauguration.
The government expects the program to strengthen food security, expand job opportunities, and support micro and small businesses in rural communities. Officials also believe the cooperative system can help villages manage local resources more effectively.
Regional governments have spent the past several months preparing management structures, recruiting cooperative members, and improving operational facilities. Cooperative teams have also prepared supply chains and business networks to support daily activities after the launch.
The government hopes village communities can build stronger local economies through collective management and active public participation.
Boyolali Becomes Important Monitoring Point
The government selected Kragilan Village in Boyolali Regency as one of the key monitoring locations because the area reflects the cooperative development model prepared for national implementation.
During the visit, officials directly reviewed administrative systems, operational facilities, and coordination among cooperative managers. The inspection also helped the government identify areas that still require improvement before the inauguration.
The Merah Putih Village Cooperatives program has become one of the flagship economic initiatives under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. The government wants the program to create stronger and more sustainable economic growth in villages.
Economic observers believe the initiative can revive Indonesia’s cooperative movement while adapting it to modern business challenges. Many cooperative units now prepare digital systems and integrated supply chains to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
National Attention on Cooperative-Based Economy
The simultaneous inauguration scheduled from Nganjuk is predicted to attract broad national attention because it marks one of the largest village cooperative launches in recent years.
The government hopes the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives can become a sustainable economic movement capable of improving welfare in rural areas. With support from central and regional governments, the initiative is expected to strengthen economic resilience and open wider opportunities for village communities.
As the inauguration date approaches, preparations continue to be accelerated so all cooperatives can operate optimally from day one. The launch is also expected to symbolize a new chapter in Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen community-based economic development through cooperatives.