DPRD to oversee 3,600 Merah Putih Cooperatives in West Java

Bandung: Tina Wiryawati, a member of the West Java Provincial DPRD from the Gerindra faction, said she would oversee the formation of Merah Putih Village/Urban Cooperatives (KDKMP) in West Java to ensure they operate optimally and deliver real benefits to the community. She said the Merah Putih Cooperative program, initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, is a positive step toward strengthening a village- and kelurahan-based people’s economy. The program is seen to shorten the distribution chain for staple needs while boosting residents’ welfare. She added that the cooperative would not merely be a site of economic activity but also a community service hub providing daily necessities at more affordable prices. “This program is very good because it directly touches the needs of people at the grassroots level. The Merah Putih Cooperatives in West Java are expected to strengthen food security, facilitate the distribution of goods, and help residents obtain staple necessities more easily,” Tina said on Wednesday (20 May 2026). In addition, Tina believes the program could open new economic opportunities in villages and kelurahan through local empowerment and the strengthening of micro, small, and medium enterprises. She said that, if well-managed and supported by all parties, the Merah Putih Cooperatives could become the engine of local economy and reinforce community autonomy. “We in the DPRD will certainly help oversee its implementation to ensure the program runs in line with its goals and is truly felt by the people,” she stated. The West Java provincial government has set a target of forming around 3,600 KDKMP by the end of July 2026, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive. The target was announced by Erwan Setiawan during a online launch of 1,061 KDKMP points in East Java and Central Java at Cilame Perum Village, Batua District, West Bandung Regency, on Saturday (16 May 2026). According to Erwan, village and kelurahan cooperatives are expected to become community service hubs for basic needs, particularly staple items and local energy distribution. He said that through these cooperatives, the public should no longer struggle to obtain LPG or rice and other necessities. “So there will be no more excuse for people to find it hard to obtain LPG gas, or rice, and other essentials,” he said.