Minister of Villages Urges Village Heads in Kedurang to Successfully Implement Kopdes and BUMDes
The Minister of Villages stated that the Red and White Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih) represent one of the state’s instruments for achieving economic equity, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s sixth Asta Cita, which focuses on building from the villages and from the bottom up to promote economic equity and eradicate poverty.
Furthermore, the Minister explained that with Kopdes Merah Putih, not only will it absorb the available workforce in the villages, but the cooperative’s profits will also benefit the local community as members.
In addition, at least 20 percent of Kopdes Merah Putih’s profits will become village original income.
Besides Kopdes, Minister Yandri also emphasised the importance of Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes), which are included in the 12 Priority Actions of the Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration.
BUMDes must have real business units, such as in agriculture, tourism, or services, that align with local potentials, rather than merely being administrative entities.
In response to these directives, the Regent of South Bengkulu, Rifai Tajudin, expressed the local government’s readiness to support the central government’s instructions.
“We are very grateful for the presence of the Minister, who brings new hope. I have instructed all heads of Regional Device Organisations (OPD) and village heads in Kedurang and Kedurang Ilir to immediately map their respective local potentials,” said Regent Rifai.
The Regency Government is committed to assisting the revitalisation of BUMDes to truly become an economic engine for the community, not just a formality.
Regent Rifai added that the synergy between the Red and White Village Cooperatives and BUMDes will be key to breaking the chain of middlemen who have long disadvantaged farmers in South Bengkulu.
The village development discussion forum, attended by the Regent of South Bengkulu, heads of Regional Device Organisations (OPD), and all village heads in Kedurang and Kedurang Ilir Sub-districts, aims to align central and regional policies to accelerate village economic independence.
During the forum, Minister Yandri proactively absorbed aspirations from the village heads to understand the dynamics of grassroots development.
Minister Yandri emphasised that international collaboration will be one of the strategies to strengthen villages moving forward.
“We bring good news regarding the continuation of the cooperation programme with the World Bank, which will provide direct aid support to villages. This is a great opportunity that must be prepared meticulously by village apparatuses to ensure its utilisation is on target,” said the former Deputy Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI).
The visit concluded with a joint commitment to make the villages in South Bengkulu the driving force of independent, transparent, and sustainable regional economic growth.
Previously, Minister Yandri gave gifts to villagers and students in Kedurang.