Prabowo links Merah Putih cooperatives to rural poverty

President Prabowo Subianto said the idea for Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih grew out of his experience serving as a soldier in villages across Indonesia. In his keynote speech at the 79th National Cooperatives Day event at Indonesia Arena in Senayan, Jakarta, on Sunday, July 12, 2026, he recalled seeing residents go hungry, with some dying, while he could not help because supplies were only enough for his troops. That experience, Prabowo said, shaped his belief that strengthening the village economy must rest on cooperatives. He also pointed to low-income residents who often fall prey to moneylenders, saying savings and loan cooperatives are important to provide access to affordable financing. In addition, he wants subsidized goods distributed through cooperatives so they reach the right people and are not diverted.