President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of Asta Cita aims to achieve true independence through economic self-reliance and equitable development, with the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih) playing a crucial role. These cooperatives, as part of the Asta Cita program, focus on building economic equity and eradicating poverty by empowering communities from the grassroots level. By launching over 80,000 Kopdes Merah Putih cooperatives in Bentangan Village, President Prabowo emphasized the importance of economic well-being as a key component of true independence.
Fithra Faisal, a Senior Expert at the Presidential Communication Office, explained that Kopdes Merah Putih will serve as engines of inclusive economic growth, reflecting Nobel laureate Amartya Sen’s philosophy of development as freedom. These cooperatives aim to remove “unfreedoms” such as poverty and lack of political agency, while expanding human capabilities and economic opportunities for all. President Prabowo’s goal is to strengthen grassroots participation, boost rural economies, and improve the quality of life for farmers and fishers.
Kopdes Merah Putih addresses challenges faced by farmers and fishers by providing storage facilities, cold storage options, and logistics support that enable produce to be preserved and sold at better times, increasing value and income. By reducing dependency on middlemen and streamlining production processes, these cooperatives also improve efficiency and productivity. Furthermore, the creation of new rural jobs through Kopdes Merah Putih helps prevent youth migration to urban areas, offering opportunities for young people to contribute to the development of their villages and local economies. Through these initiatives, President Prabowo aims to create a more inclusive and liberating development model that empowers communities and fosters sustainable growth.