Don't Get Deceived! Coordinating Minister Zulhas Emphasises That Kopdes Recruitment Does Not Involve Any Fees

The government has issued a strong warning regarding the proliferation of scams impersonating the recruitment programme for Human Resources in the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (Kopdes). Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) emphasised that the official selection process does not involve any fees whatsoever and is conducted only through one official channel. In his statement at Graha Mandiri, Central Jakarta, on Monday, 4 May, Zulhas revealed the existence of individuals spreading fake links, requesting personal data that could be misused, and even extracting money from the public under the guise of recruitment for President Prabowo Subianto’s priority programme. “But before proceeding, I want to address this first; it’s important. I must speak firmly about the rampant scams. There are individuals using the name of Kopdes Merah Putih to spread fake links, collect personal data that is at risk of misuse, and even collect fees, demanding money and payments,” he explained. He stressed that the government never opens unofficial channels, let alone through intermediaries. The entire recruitment process is transparent and based on an integrated national system. “I am here with all related ministries to once again affirm that the only official website is phtc.panselnas.go.id,” he asserted. Zulhas also assured that there are no “insider” practices in the selection process. Even approaches through ministries would not influence the recruitment outcomes. “Not a single rupiah in fees, as we announced earlier. No fees of any kind, no insiders. Even those coming to the Coordinating Ministry asking for help cannot succeed,” he stated. He added that all involved ministries, including the Ministry of PAN-RB, have no authority to pass participants outside the official mechanism. “The Ministry of PAN-RB cannot do it either. So no insider dealings. No helping hands,” he firmly stated. Amid the rising cases of digital fraud, Zulhas urged the public to be more vigilant and to report any suspicious practices immediately. “If anyone asks for money, it’s definitely a scam, and I ask that you report it to law enforcement or the police. Because it’s very rampant,” he concluded. The government is currently processing recruitment for human resources to support national strategic programmes, including the Merah Putih Village/Urban Ward Cooperative and the Merah Putih Fishermen’s Village. With high public interest, the potential for abuse by irresponsible parties has also increased.