Zulhas Ensures Subsidised Goods and Government Aid Will Be Distributed via Village Cooperatives

The Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas), stated that subsidised goods and government assistance will be distributed through the Merah Putih Village and Sub-district Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih). The Kopdes Merah Putih is scheduled to officially begin operations on 1 October 2026.

“I believe that is the important part. Secondly, this is because managers will have been placed by 1 October,” said Zulhas following a Coordination Meeting on the Development of Merah Putih Village and Sub-district Cooperatives at the Coordinating Ministry for Food Office, Jakarta, on Tuesday (29/09/2026).

He clarified that the purpose of Kopdes Merah Putih is not to act as a supermarket. Instead, Kopdes Merah Putih is intended to serve as government infrastructure for distributing aid and subsidised goods to ensure they are accurately targeted.

“Mr Doni has also instructed that since this cooperative is not a supermarket, it serves as government infrastructure. It will handle matters regarding subsidies, government assistance, and so on,” he explained.

Zulhas noted that the subsidised goods available at Kopdes Merah Putih will include SPHP rice, food assistance, 3kg LPG, fertiliser, and other essentials.

“Therefore, as you can see, State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) have signed a Cooperation Agreement (PKS). By 1 October, managers will be in place, and fertiliser must be delivered there. Distribution through the cooperative will include subsidised goods such as SPHP rice, food assistance, 3kg gas, fertiliser, and more. It will also include services like AgenBRILink, Mekaar, subsidised interest rates from PNM, electricity payments, and others,” Zulhas concluded.