National Strategic Program to Boost the Grassroots Economy
The National Police (Polri) has expressed strong optimism that the Red and White Village Cooperatives program will be a significant catalyst for strengthening Indonesia’s national economy from the ground up. Brigadier General Indarto, the deputy chairperson of the Presisi Command Post at the National Police Headquarters, conveyed his confidence in the program’s success during a recent public education event. He emphasized that the initiative’s effective implementation relies on a foundation of robust regulatory support, synergistic collaboration among various government ministries and agencies, and, most importantly, the active engagement of village communities. Indarto affirmed that Polri is fully committed to supporting this national strategic program, which was a directive from President Prabowo Subianto. The program’s core objective is to establish thriving Red and White Cooperatives in both rural villages and urban neighborhoods across the country. This commitment from the police force provides a critical layer of security and support, creating a more stable environment for these new economic entities to flourish and drive local prosperity.
Police Support to Foster a Secure Cooperative Ecosystem
Polri is prepared to offer strategic assistance to the cooperative ecosystem at the village level, playing a crucial role beyond traditional law enforcement. This support includes proactive measures to prevent extortion and illegal levies that often target small businesses and cooperatives. The police force will also actively work to combat food cartels, which can disrupt local supply chains and harm producers and consumers alike. To ensure the program’s success, Polri will be instrumental in gathering on-the-ground data regarding the formation of cooperatives and the challenges they face, allowing for more targeted and effective interventions. Furthermore, regional and local police units will provide direct assistance to the cooperatives as needed. Through these collaborative and measurable efforts, the cooperatives are envisioned to evolve into more than just economic institutions. They are seen as potential beacons of independence, justice, and mutual cooperation, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for communities across Indonesia.
Developing Villages into Dynamic Economic Hubs
At the same public education event, Henra Saragih, the deputy for institutional affairs and digitalization at the Ministry of Cooperatives, praised Polri’s active involvement and support for the Red and White Village Cooperatives program. The overarching vision is for these cooperatives to develop into vital economic hubs within their respective villages. They are designed to house and manage a range of strategic business units that cater to local needs, such as staple goods stores, pharmacies, village clinics, cold storage facilities, and logistics services. By establishing these essential services, the cooperatives will play a dual role: fostering local economic development and significantly improving the overall well-being of the community. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of economic growth are shared directly with the people at the grassroots level, creating a more sustainable and inclusive model of development that strengthens communities from within.
