President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of Asta Cita is being realized through the establishment of the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih). These cooperatives play a crucial role in promoting economic self-reliance and equitable development in line with the President’s goal of achieving true independence. Fithra Faisal, a Senior Expert at the Presidential Communication Office, highlighted the importance of this initiative in empowering communities and eradicating poverty from the grassroots level.
During the launch of over 80,000 Kopdes Merah Putih cooperatives in Bentangan Village, President Prabowo emphasized that true independence goes beyond national symbols and must be reflected in the well-being of the people. These cooperatives are seen as a collective effort to improve the quality of life for all members of the community. They serve as engines of inclusive economic growth, following the philosophy of development as freedom advocated by Nobel laureate Amartya Sen.
The goal of Kopdes Merah Putih is to enhance rural economies, especially for farmers and fishers, by providing essential support such as storage warehouses, cold storage facilities, and logistics assistance. By addressing issues like low exchange values for agricultural products and reducing dependency on middlemen, these cooperatives aim to improve productivity, increase income, and create new job opportunities in rural areas.
Through the establishment of Kopdes Merah Putih, President Prabowo hopes to strengthen grassroots participation and prevent youth migration to urban centers. By empowering young people to build their future in their villages and stimulating local economies, these cooperatives are paving the way for a more inclusive and liberating development process.
