Zulhas Insists KDKMP Must Not Remain Merely Physical Structures

The Coordinating Minister for Food of the Republic of Indonesia, Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas), stated that his office is prioritising the accelerated completion of the Presidential Regulation (Perpres) regarding the Governance of the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives (KDKMP).

This aims to provide a legal foundation so that the cooperatives can immediately begin operations and provide tangible benefits to village communities. According to Zulhas, KDKMP must not stop at being mere physical buildings, but must quickly function as an integrated village economic centre.

“What we are prioritising is the swift completion of the KDKMP governance Presidential Regulation, so that the cooperatives do not just exist physically, but truly operate and provide benefits to the community,” said Zulhas in a written statement on Saturday (5/9/2026).

He expressed this while serving as a speaker at the KDKMP National Seminar at the Bandar Lampung Mayor’s Office on Friday (4/9/2026).

Zulhas noted that KDKMP will perform a strategic function as a provider of community needs and as an off-taker for local products. The cooperatives can serve as a place for the community to obtain basic foodstuffs, subsidised fertilisers, LPG, SPHP rice, medicines, and even savings and loan services.

KDKMP is also directed to absorb the results of agriculture, fisheries, livestock, and plantations from the community side of production. With the support of warehouses and cold storage, production yields can be stored properly while simultaneously helping to maintain price stability for farmers and producers.

“KDKity must ensure the economy continues to circulate in the village. Farmers buy fertiliser through the cooperative, their harvests are absorbed by the cooperative, and the community receives services and daily necessities through the cooperative,” Zulhas explained.

“The economic benefits return to the members,” he added.

Zulhas emphasised that once the governance Presidential Regulation is finalised, the government will push for the acceleration of physical construction, the operationalisation of KDKMP, and the strengthening of human resources and governance to ensure the cooperatives can operate effectively and accountably.

Central and regional governments, alongside State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), the TNI, village associations, and the community, will strengthen coordination to ensure KDKMP grows as a driver of the village economy and a component of strengthening national food security.