President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, emphasized the importance of the 80,081 Merah Putih Village Cooperatives in improving the welfare of the people. During the official launch of the program in Bentangan Village, Klaten, he highlighted the need for strict monitoring to prevent any misuse. President Prabowo recalled the past issues with KUD cooperatives during the New Order era, where ‘Ketua Untung Duluan’ or ‘Chairman Profits First’ was a common joke. He stressed the significance of the new cooperative system, which leverages technology and transparency to enable real-time monitoring of financial transactions.
The President underscored the cooperative’s ownership by the people, emphasizing the role of village heads in ensuring the initiative serves its intended purpose of benefiting the community. He called upon village heads to actively supervise cooperative chairpersons to prevent any exploitation within the community. President Prabowo used a metaphor to explain the power of unity in cooperatives, highlighting how strength lies in collective efforts rather than individual endeavors.
He expressed his belief that the Merah Putih Cooperatives would rejuvenate Indonesia’s rural economy and decentralize the distribution of resources. By redirecting funds from cities to provinces and villages, President Prabowo envisioned a shift in economic activity towards regencies, districts, and villages. This movement aims to empower local economies and promote mutual cooperation among community members.
Overall, President Prabowo’s commitment to ensuring the success of the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives reflects a broader vision for economic revitalization and equitable distribution of resources in Indonesia.
