Gibran Calls for Village Cooperative Development That Does Not Harm Communities

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has requested that the development of Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (KDMP) be carried out by selecting appropriate locations through proper studies and involving the community. He made the statement while inspecting Wolomoni State Primary School in Niawula Village, Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on Thursday, 18 June 2026, which had previously been reported as facing demolition to make way for a KDMP. “That is why I reminded the Deputy Governor, the Regent, and the Village Head earlier to please ensure the site selection is truly studied,” he explained. Gibran specifically called for the involvement of and discussion with residents to ensure no one is affected or disadvantaged by the development. “Make sure no one is harmed, especially since this is a school area; teaching and learning activities must not be disrupted,” Gibran said. Previously, the school fence, classroom foundations, and support pillars of SD Negeri Wolomoni suffered damage during the KDMP construction process because the planned cooperative site was located behind the school building. Regarding this, the Vice President emphasised that a decision had been made to relocate the site to a better place, including avoiding competition with Village-Owned Enterprises and residents’ grocery shops. He said the presence of KDMP is expected to create a good and mutually supportive ecosystem. During the visit, the Vice President also requested that the school promptly receive the Free Nutritious Meals programme and noted residents’ requests for teacher accommodation and stronger internet signal coverage. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming is scheduled to conduct a working visit to the provinces of East Nusa Tenggara, Gorontalo, West Papua, Central Papua, and South Papua from 18 to 21 June 2026. After visiting NTT, Gibran is planned to attend and open the XVII National Farmers and Fishermen Week (PENAS) 2026 in Gorontalo, as well as inspect the Bulango Ulu Dam as one of the strategic infrastructures supporting food security and community welfare. The visit will then continue to West Papua, where the Vice President is scheduled to inspect the Ransiki Cocoa Production Centre in South Manokwari Regency and open the XIV National Church Choir Festival (PESPARAWI) in Manokwari. On the final day of the working visit, the Vice President will proceed to South Papua via Asmat Regency to inspect several public facilities, including the Asmat Museum of Culture and Progress, the Sago Field School, Agats Regional General Hospital, and the Holy Cross Cathedral Church.