President Prabowo Subianto, during his speech at the launch of the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives in Klaten, Central Java, emphasized that the primary goal of these cooperatives is to improve the welfare of the people, not to benefit only a select few. He urged all stakeholders to maintain strict oversight to prevent any form of abuse and avoid the mistakes of the past, particularly those associated with the KUD cooperatives during the New Order era.
The President highlighted the importance of leveraging technology and transparency in the new cooperative system, ensuring that all financial transactions are trackable and auditable in real-time. By introducing digital platforms for financial flows, he aims to eliminate any possibility of a ‘Chairman Profits First’ scenario. President Prabowo also emphasized the role of village heads in actively supervising the cooperative chairpersons to ensure that the cooperatives serve their intended purpose of benefiting the community.
Using a traditional metaphor, the President stressed the power of unity in cooperatives, likening it to the strength that comes from bundling individual broomsticks together. He sees this movement as a way to rejuvenate Indonesia’s rural economy and redistribute resources that have long been centralized. By redirecting funds from cities back to provinces and villages, President Prabowo envisions a more balanced distribution of economic activities at the regional level.
This cooperative initiative is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring equitable economic development and empowering local communities. President Prabowo believes that through mutual cooperation and active oversight, the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives can become a driving force for economic growth at the grassroots level, benefiting all members of society.
