JAVASATU.COM- The Indonesian government is expediting the establishment of “Koperasi Merah Putih” (Red and White Cooperatives) across coastal villages and urban wards to boost economic self-reliance and reduce middlemen dominance in the seafood supply chain. The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP).
“These cooperatives will serve as economic pillars in coastal villages — not only providing daily essentials but also offering health services, micro-financing, and fishery logistics,” said Deputy Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Didit Herdiawan Ashaf, during his working visit to Pangkahwetan Village, Ujungpangkah District, Gresik Regency, on Monday (May 26, 2025).
According to Ashaf, the cooperatives will feature essential units including grocery outlets, affordable pharmacies, cold storage facilities, fertilizer supplies, savings and loan services, and integrated health clinics. Effective mentoring by marine and fisheries extension workers is viewed as crucial for sustainable and independent operations.
The program aligns with Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2025, which mandates the ministry to assist, empower, and facilitate fisheries entrepreneurs and salt farmers in the regions.
“Strong synergy between central and local governments is essential to transform these cooperatives into drivers of the village economy and improve the welfare of coastal communities,” Ashaf added.
The Gresik local government has responded swiftly to the national directive. Acting Regent of Gresik, Asluchul Alif, confirmed that all villages and urban wards in the regency have held special village meetings to form cooperatives.
“A total of 356 villages and wards have officially established Koperasi Merah Putih,” Alif stated.
Pangkahwetan Village has been designated as the national pilot project among 200 selected locations across Indonesia. It is expected to serve as a model for coastal cooperative development focused on fisheries and salt industries.
In addition to Pangkahwetan, three other villages in Gresik — Kramat, Banyuurip, and Campurejo — have been proposed under the Red and White Fisherfolk Village program. Pangkahwetan will focus on aquaculture, while the other three will concentrate on capture fisheries.
(Newsroom Javasatu.com)