218 Merah Putih Cooperatives Being Established in Tegal Regency to Revitalise Village Economies
A total of 218 sites for the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives (KDKMP) are currently being developed in Tegal Regency, Central Java. The establishment of these hundreds of cooperatives is part of a national programme officially inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prablant Subianto, in Nganjuk, East Java.
The Regent of Tegal, Ischak Maulana Rohman, welcomed the programme with enthusiasm, describing it as a vital momentum for revitalising the village economy within the regency. The inauguration, which was attended simultaneously by governors, regents, and mayors across East and Central Java, was viewed by Regent Ischak via video conference alongside local officials.
During the inauguration, President Prabowo emphasised that the Merah Putih Cooperatives represent a strategic government move to strengthen the people’s economy from the village level. He officially inaugurated the operations of 1,061 cooperatives as the initial phase of a much more ambitious target, aiming for at least 20,000 to 30,000 similar cooperatives to be operational by August 2026 to drive comprehensive rural economic independence.
Regent Ischak expressed his appreciation for the comprehensive facilities prepared under this programme, which include warehouses, LPG distribution points, minimarket shelving, savings and loan units, as well as pharmacies and health clinics. “Overall, it is very positive. We have seen the inclusion of warehouses, gas depots, minimarket facilities, and even clinics. This is undoubtedly part of the village economic revival,” Ischak stated in an official release.
He believes the presence of these cooperatives will tangibly drive the village economy and provide direct benefits to all layers of society. “This is a good programme because it is from the people, by the people, and for the people. The village economic circulation will grow, and the community will eventually feel the benefits,” he explained.
On the ground, the Commander of Kodim 0712/Tegal, Lt. Col. Inf. Rachmat Ferdiantono, explained that of the 218 cooperative sites under construction in Tegal, 14 sites are ready for the initial launch phase. The target is for all cooperatives to be fully inaugurated by 17 August, coinciding with the Independence Day celebrations of the Republic of Indonesia.
However, Rachmat noted that some villages are still facing challenges in establishing cooperatives due to land status issues, specifically regarding protected agricultural land (LP2B) and limited village-owned land. His office is currently coordinating with the local government to find solutions to these obstacles.