The Governor of Southeast Sulawesi, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Andi Sumangerukka, officially launched the Merah Putih Cooperative initiative alongside the Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration, Yandri Susanto, at the Bahteramas Hall, Sunday (May 25, 2025). This initiative is a key step in reinforcing economic resilience in villages and urban wards across the province by empowering cooperatives rooted in local potential.
The event brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including high-level government officials, regional leaders, and community representatives. Governor Andi expressed his full support for this national program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, emphasizing its strategic role in directly enhancing the rural economy, especially in the agriculture sector, MSMEs, and food security. With a target of establishing cooperatives in all 2,285 villages and wards by the end of June 2025, significant progress has already been made: as of May 24, 68.1% of the target areas have conducted their community meetings, 58 cooperatives have received legal notary status, and 113 are in the finalization process. The governor affirmed his commitment to ensuring the success of this grassroots economic empowerment effort for a more self-sufficient and prosperous Southeast Sulawesi.
