Zulhas: Kopdes Merah Putih Built on Mountains Will Be Regulated

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, known as Zulhas, has responded to reports regarding the construction of Kopdes Merah Putih (Red and White Village Cooperatives) in mountainous areas. He acknowledged that some developments require correction, confirming that cooperatives built on mountains will be regulated. “There are some here and there that are not appropriate, of course we will correct them, such as construction on mountains,” Zulhas stated during a press conference on the 2027 Government Work Plan and Budget at the Directorate General of Taxes office in Jakarta on Friday, 14 August 2026. “So indeed, one or two, or however many, we will regulate,” he added. He admitted that the government is currently working hard to ensure the cooperatives can function as government infrastructure while also acting as offtakers for subsidised goods for village communities. Zulhas also emphasised that the development of the Kopdes Merah Putih programme is being accelerated. A total of 35,000 cooperatives are targeted for completion by the end of August 2026, allowing them to begin operations in September. “And next year it will continue, this year 35,000, next year we estimate we can also complete 30,000 to 35,000 villages,” he said.