RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – The construction of the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives in Ngawi Regency, East Java, has gone viral on social media after residents highlighted its unusual location on the edge of a riverbank. A TikTok video showed the cooperative building facing directly toward a dry river flow and quickly attracted public attention.
The viral footage triggered concern because many netizens considered the area vulnerable to landslides and erosion, especially during heavy rainfall. The controversy surrounding the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives project also fueled broader discussions about village infrastructure planning and public safety in rural Indonesia.
Local officials defended the decision and insisted that residents had approved the location through a special village deliberation process. Authorities argued that the selected site gives villagers easier access than alternative locations.
Viral TikTok Video Draws Public Attention
The controversy began after a TikTok content creator uploaded a short video showing the ongoing construction of the cooperative building in Kerek Village, Ngawi District, Ngawi Regency. In the clip, the front side of the building appeared to stand directly beside a riverbank.
Many social media users questioned why the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives building was constructed in what they considered a risky area. Several commenters warned that the location could face landslide threats once the rainy season arrives.
The video spread rapidly across multiple social media platforms and generated thousands of reactions within days. Some users criticized the planning process, while others defended the project by arguing the river was usually dry outside the rainy season.
Officials Say Site Selection Was Approved by Residents
Ngawi Military District Commander Lieutenant Colonel RH Setibowo explained that the location had already been discussed through a special village meeting known as Musyawarah Desa Khusus.
According to him, village officials initially considered two potential sites for the cooperative building. The first option was located on a hill, while the second was the riverside area currently under construction.
Setibowo said the hill location was ultimately rejected because it stood too far from residential areas. He emphasized that the selected location sits near the village office and local schools, making it more accessible for residents.
“There were two choices. One was on the hill and the other is the current location. The hill area is far from residents,” he explained during confirmation on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
He also stated that the river near the building remains dry most of the year unless heavy rain occurs.
Retaining Wall Construction Underway
To address public concern, local authorities have started building a retaining wall, or talut, in front of the cooperative building. Officials said the structure aims to strengthen the riverbank and reduce the risk of erosion.
After the retaining wall is completed, the area will reportedly be filled with soil and transformed into a parking space for vehicles. The government hopes the additional infrastructure can improve safety around the project site.
Setibowo stressed that the cooperative’s position in the center of the village was one of the main reasons behind the final decision.
“The location is close to the village office and schools. It is right in the middle of the settlement area,” he said.
The explanation, however, has not entirely stopped criticism online. Some residents and social media users continue to question whether the mitigation measures will be sufficient during extreme weather conditions.
Construction Progress Reaches 90 Percent
Despite the controversy, construction of the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives building in Kerek Village is nearly complete. Local authorities confirmed that the project has reached around 90 percent completion.
The remaining work mainly involves electrical installation and the fitting of rolling doors. Officials expect the cooperative facility to begin operating once the final stage is finished.
Setibowo also addressed concerns regarding rising construction material prices triggered by global geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. He claimed the situation has not significantly disrupted the development program in Ngawi Regency.
According to local government data, Ngawi Regency is currently building 213 cooperative units under the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives initiative. Around 90 locations have already been completed, while the remaining projects are still under construction.
The viral case in Kerek Village has now become one of the most talked-about examples of how public infrastructure projects can quickly attract nationwide attention through social media. While officials continue defending the decision, the debate over safety and planning standards surrounding the riverside cooperative building remains ongoing.