Minister Zulhas Clarifies Kopdes Merah Putih Is Not a Supermarket, Explains the Difference

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan has corrected the public perception that the Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih (KDMP) is a modern retail shop or supermarket. He stressed that the village cooperatives are different and play a larger role in society.

The minister made the statement before attending a limited meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Wednesday, 15 July 2026.

‘It is not a supermarket,’ Zulhas stated.

He explained that many people have misunderstood the purpose of the Village Cooperatives, believing they would replace modern retail outlets. However, the Kopdes also functions as an offtaker, absorbing produce from farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen. He noted this is essential to ensure they receive a fair price that does not fall below the standard.

‘If the price of unhusked rice is below the standard we have set, the cooperative can take over and buy the rice, maize, and so on,’ Zulkifli explained.

In terms of infrastructure, Zulkifli said the Village Cooperatives act as a platform for distributing various forms of aid, such as social assistance and subsidised goods.

‘Aid, social assistance, subsidised goods must go through the Kopdes in the future. This makes it clear, because every village has one,’ Zulkifli said.

According to data from the Management Information System for the Acceleration of the Establishment of Kopdes Merah Putih (Simpkopdes) as of 14 July 2026, a total of 83,382 cooperatives have been formed, though not all yet have physical buildings. Of that number, there are 38,054 land proposals for physical construction, 35,867 have been verified, 19,296 cooperatives are still under construction, and 16,091 cooperatives have completed 100 per cent of their construction.