Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (Kopdes) are set to take on a significant role in the distribution of subsidized essential goods, including LPG and fertilizers, in rural areas. Minister of Cooperatives Budi Arie Setiadi announced this strategic move to utilize Kopdes Merah Putih as the primary distribution hub, ensuring direct access to basic necessities for rural residents and optimizing the supply chain. This initiative aims to strengthen the rural economy by empowering local communities through the establishment of 80,000 Kopdes Merah Putih units. The financing of these units will be carefully managed to ensure that the benefits directly benefit village residents. Minister Budi highlighted the cooperative nature of Kopdes, emphasizing its ownership by the village and the profit-sharing among local community members. By adopting this cooperative approach, the government aims to reinforce the cooperative principles and enhance economic activities within the village. Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) will continue to operate alongside Kopdes, with the latter serving as the main channel for distributing subsidized goods and social assistance. This shift towards utilizing Kopdes as the sole official distributor of LPG and fertilizers in villages reflects the government’s commitment to promoting community empowerment and economic development in rural areas.
Budi Arie: Leading Distributor of LPG and Fertilizers in Villages
