inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Fithra Faisal, an expert staff member at the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), stated that the Merah Putih village/sub-district cooperative (Kopdes Merah Putih) is part of the realization of President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita, specifically in realizing true independence through economic independence and equality.

"The President is consistent as his programs align with Asta Cita, building from the village and from the bottom up for economic equality and poverty eradication," Fithra said on Tuesday (7/22/2025).

Fithra explained that Kopdes Merah Putih will be a driver of inclusive economic growth by encouraging active community participation from the bottom up.

This cooperative also embodies the concept of development as freedom, as introduced by Nobel Prize-winning economist Amartya Sen, Fithra added.

This concept emphasizes that true development is a process of expanding the real freedom enjoyed by individuals. It is not only about economic growth, but also about eliminating "unfreedoms" such as poverty, hunger, and lack of political rights, and expanding people's ability to achieve their goals.

Thus, Fithra continued, the public will be freer to participate in the development process. Development will no longer be top-down, but bottom-up.

Through Kopdes Merah Putih, the President aims to ensure greater community participation at the grassroots level. This cooperative is expected to drive the village economy and improve the quality of life, particularly for farmers and fishermen.

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