Zulhas describes Kopdes Merah Putih as village economic infrastructure

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, commonly known as Zulhas, has affirmed that the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (Kopdes) constitute part of the government’s infrastructure designed to strengthen rural communities’ economic access.

According to him, the presence of village cooperatives will ease villagers’ access to logistics centres, financial services, and economic markets.

“Once the 30,000 units are completed this year, these cooperatives must function as off-takers (buyers),” said Zulhas, who also chairs the Task Force for the Establishment of Kopdes Merah Putih, after a coordination meeting in Jakarta on Monday.

He explained that if the price of paddy or maize falls below the government-set price, farmers can sell their harvest to the village cooperatives. Subsequently, the cooperatives will channel those commodities to Bulog.

“That is the purpose of the trucks or pick-up vehicles in the Kopdes, to transport paddy and maize from the villages,” he stated.

He further explained that Kopdes Merah Putih will also serve as off-takers for fishery products, become LPG depots, fertiliser agents, and distribution centres for government social assistance.

In his view, with the existence of village cooperatives, farmers and fishermen can produce more confidently because prices are guaranteed by the government.

Additionally, he mentioned that the cooperatives will be equipped with financial services through collaborations with banks, including BRILink and BNI Link.

Zulhas added that Kopdes Merah Putih will also provide loan access with a credit interest rate of 6 per cent to support rural businesses, including those of farmers.

He also assured that the distribution of social assistance, including 10 kilograms of rice and cash assistance under the Family Hope Programme (PKH), will be carried out through Kopdes to ensure it reaches the right targets.

“From the centre, it is sent to the Kopdes, and the Kopdes will distribute it to the local community to ensure accuracy,” he said.

The government targets the completion of 30,000 Kopdes Merah Putih units in June–July 2026. The government is also opening recruitment for 30,000 Kopdes Merah Putih managers to assist in the professional and modern operationalisation of the cooperatives.