President Prabowo Subianto underlined the significance of launching 800,081 Merah Putih Village Cooperatives not only to bolster the economic independence of the people but also as a concrete step to eradicate exploitative practices by middlemen and loan sharks that have long disadvantaged farmers in rural areas. During the official inauguration of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative Program in Bentangan Village, Klaten Regency, Central Java, President Prabowo reflected on his observations of chronic issues dating back to his time as Chairman of the Indonesian Farmers Harmony Association (HKTI) in 2004. One of the key challenges faced by farmers is the lack of adequate transportation and storage facilities post-harvest, leading to significant losses. President Prabowo also highlighted the issue of subsidized fertilizer failing to reach farmers due to cumbersome bureaucracy. Furthermore, he pointed out the exploitation of farmers by middlemen who manipulate prices, leaving farmers vulnerable to loan sharks for urgent cash needs. The President emphasized that the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives aim to disrupt this cycle of exploitation and bring about transformative change. He urged for bold and decisive action to empower farmers and break free from generations of exploitation.
