Gerindra Has No Issue with Kopdes Merah Putih Managing Mines: As Long as It Complies with Regulations

Jakarta, VIVA – Gerindra Party spokesperson Bahtra Banong has spoken out after the Red-and-White Village Cooperatives (KDMP) were permitted to manage mining businesses.

He explained that the basic concept of a cooperative is to generate benefits for its members. In this regard, a cooperative is free to manage any business so long as it complies with the applicable rules.

“We have heard that it is indeed permitted. The basic concept of a cooperative is, after all, that its management and members can enjoy the benefits of the cooperative’s existence,” said Bahtra at the DPR building in Central Jakarta on Thursday, 16 July 2026.

“A cooperative may manage anything, but the first requirement is that it must comply with the rules,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chair of DPR Commission II said that businesses managed by cooperatives must improve the welfare of their members and management.

“So that the direct impact of these cooperatives, especially the KDMP, can be felt by the local village communities,” Bahtra explained.

Previously, the Minister of Cooperatives (Menkop), Ferry Juliantono, stated that the Red-and-White Village Cooperatives (KDMP) are permitted to manage mining operations.

“Yes, it is allowed,” said Ferry at the DPR building in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, 15 July 2026.

He explained that the KDMPs eligible to manage mines are those established in mining areas.

“In mining areas, in their own villages,” Ferry said.

According to him, cooperatives outside the KDMP programme are also permitted to manage mining businesses. This provision is already regulated under the Mineral and Coal Law (Minerba Law).

Under the law, cooperative business entities may obtain Special Mining Business Permit Areas (WIUPK) covering up to 2,500 hectares.

“So mining can be entered by cooperative business entities. The Minerba Law itself already states that cooperative business entities may manage mines and minerals,” said Ferry.

Not only that, cooperative business entities are also permitted to establish banks and even crude palm oil (CPO) factories.

“Then cooperatives may also set up CPO factories and establish banks — yes, they may. There is nothing prohibiting it,” Ferry concluded.