The Merah Putih Village Cooperatives, also known as Kopdes Merah Putih, are an integral part of President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita vision, focusing on achieving genuine independence through economic self-reliance and fair development. Senior Expert Fithra Faisal from the Presidential Communication Office in Jakarta emphasized the President’s commitment to building economic equity and eradicating poverty from the grassroots level. President Prabowo highlighted the importance of true independence being reflected in the well-being of the people, not just in national symbols. The cooperatives, according to the President, signify a collective effort to improve the lives of all individuals. Kopdes Merah Putih is designed to drive inclusive economic growth and empower communities starting from the bottom. By embodying Nobel laureate Amartya Sen’s philosophy of development as freedom, these cooperatives strive to eliminate “unfreedoms” like poverty and hunger while enhancing human capabilities. This approach ensures that communities can actively participate in the development process, making it inclusive and empowering. President Prabowo aims to increase grassroots involvement through Kopdes Merah Putih, boosting rural economies and improving the quality of life for farmers and fishers. Additionally, these cooperatives address the challenges faced by farmers, such as low exchange values and limited selling opportunities at harvest time. By providing storage facilities and logistics support, Kopdes Merah Putih helps preserve produce for longer, increasing its value and income for farmers. Furthermore, the cooperatives are expected to create new job opportunities in rural areas, reducing youth migration to urban centers. By employing individuals within the community, these cooperatives pave the way for a brighter future in villages, fostering local economic growth and prosperity.