Red And White Cooperatives Ready To Be Launched In Hambalang, Bogor Becomes A Pilot For West Java

West Java Provincial Secretary, Herman Suryatman In Bogor, Sunday (20/7/2025)

BOGOR Bogor Regency Government together with the West Java Provincial Government conducted a final review of the launch site of the Red and White Village Cooperative (Kopdes) in Hambalang Village, Citeureup District, Sunday, July 20, 2025. This activity is part of preparation ahead of the launch of the cooperative which is expected to be a symbol of the economic independence of the community based on mutual cooperation and the spirit of nationality.

The Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Bogor Regency, Ajat Rochmat Jatnika, who was present with the ranks of regional apparatus, ensured that all technical and non-technical elements of the event were ready. He also expressed high hopes for this program as a concrete solution to the economic problems of the community.

"Today we attended a kind of technical meeting, for the launching of the Merah Putih cooperative which will gather around 80,000 members. For West Java, the pilot model is centered in Hambalang Village," said Ajat.

According to him, the main focus is not only on the launch ceremony, but also on the sustainability and real impact of cooperatives for the community. He emphasized the importance of building public trust in cooperative management as the main factor in program success.

The key to the success of cooperatives lies in the integrity of the management. If you are dishonest and not trustworthy, this cooperative will only be a temporary program, "said Ajat.

Ajat also encouraged cross-sectoral synergies to strengthen the role of cooperatives in the service of basic needs for residents, including integration with the Nutrition Kitchen and logistics actors.

"If it can be synergized with nutrition kitchens, logistical needs, and others, this will be extraordinary. Cooperatives can really answer the needs of the community as a whole," he added.

Meanwhile, the Regional Secretary of West Java Province, Herman Suryatman, expressed his high appreciation for the readiness to launch the Red and White Kopdes in Hambalang. According to him, all operational aspects are ready, both from the technical side and the program's sustainability strategy.

"I have checked, checked, and crosschecked. Great preparation. From A to Z, I am ready for tomorrow's event, both launch and follow-up," said Herman.

Herman also said that the Merah Putih Hambalang Kopdes already has a number of business units that have been operating, including savings and loan units, basic food services, village clinics, village pharmacies, as well as warehousing and logistics. He mentioned the existence of these business units as evidence of strong collaboration between the government and the village community.

"We should be proud. All business units have started running. This is clear evidence of the synergy and readiness of the village in managing the economy independently," he said.

He emphasized that the Merah Putih Hambalang Kopdes will be a pilot project (mock-up) for the development of village cooperatives throughout West Java.

"Hopefully this Kopdes can be an inspiration for other villages in building a strong and sustainable local economic system," concluded Herman.