President Prabowo Subianto affirmed the purpose of the 80,081 Merah Putih Village Cooperatives in improving the welfare of the people, emphasizing that they are not meant to benefit only a select few. He stressed the importance of strict monitoring by all stakeholders to prevent any possible abuse within the cooperatives. During the official launch of the program in Bentangan Village, Klaten, President Prabowo highlighted the need to learn from past mistakes, particularly referring to the issues faced during the New Order era with KUD cooperatives.
President Prabowo underlined the integration of technology and transparency in the new cooperative system to ensure that all financial transactions can be monitored and audited in real-time. Emphasizing the widespread use of gadgets in today’s society, he explained that the digital platforms implemented by the Minister and Deputy Minister of Cooperatives will prevent any instances of prioritizing personal profits over the community’s welfare.
Furthermore, President Prabowo emphasized that the Merah Putih Cooperatives are owned by the people, urging village heads to actively supervise and ensure that the cooperatives operate in alignment with their purpose of serving the community. He used a traditional metaphor to illustrate the strength of unity and cooperation in transforming the weak into a powerful economic force.
President Prabowo expressed his belief that the establishment of these cooperatives will rejuvenate Indonesia’s rural economy and decentralize resource allocation. He envisions a shift in the flow of funds from cities back to villages, allowing the economy to thrive at the regencies, districts, and village levels. This movement signifies a substantial change in the economic landscape, promoting local empowerment and community development.
