President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the significance of launching 800,081 Merah Putih Village Cooperatives by focusing on both enhancing economic independence among the people and eradicating exploitative practices conducted by middlemen and loan sharks that have long hindered farmers in rural areas. During the inauguration of the program in Bentangan Village, Klaten Regency, Central Java, President Prabowo reflected on the persistent challenges farmers face, such as insufficient trucks and storage facilities post-harvest, leading to substantial losses. In his speech, he mentioned the struggles farmers encounter in acquiring subsidized fertilizer due to bureaucratic hurdles, emphasizing the need to streamline the process. Additionally, he addressed the exploitation by middlemen who manipulate prices, forcing farmers to resort to loan sharks for urgent financial needs. By establishing the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives, the President aims to disrupt this cycle of exploitation and empower farmers to break free from centuries-old practices of economic oppression. This initiative signifies a transformative step towards a more equitable and sustainable agricultural sector in Indonesia.
President Prabowo: Merah Putih Village Cooperatives to Defeat Middlemen
