President Prabowo Subianto, during the official launch of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative Program in Bentangan Village, Klaten Regency, Central Java, highlighted the importance of this initiative in empowering rural communities economically and eradicating exploitative practices by middlemen and loan sharks that have long exploited farmers. As someone who has been involved in addressing these issues since his time as Chairman of the Indonesian Farmers Harmony Association (HKTI) in 2004, Prabowo emphasized the challenges faced by farmers, such as post-harvest losses due to inadequate transportation and storage facilities. He also pointed out the bureaucratic hurdles that farmers face in accessing subsidized fertilizer, with excessive regulations and paperwork hindering the distribution process.
Moreover, President Prabowo shed light on the exploitation faced by farmers at the hands of middlemen who manipulate prices, forcing farmers to borrow from loan sharks at exorbitant interest rates. Recognizing the need for bold and decisive action to break this cycle of exploitation, Prabowo emphasized the transformative role of the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives in empowering farmers and ensuring a fair and sustainable agricultural economy. By providing farmers with better access to resources and markets, these cooperatives aim to uplift rural communities and promote economic independence. In conclusion, President Prabowo stressed the importance of thinking big and taking proactive steps towards creating a more just and equitable agricultural system for generations to come.
