RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Government is positioning the Red and White Village/Subdistrict Cooperatives (KDMP) to protect farmers and fishers from falling commodity prices. The policy was presented during the National Seminar on Red and White Village/Subdistrict Cooperatives in Jakarta on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Coordinating Minister of Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, said the initiative reflects Indonesia's commitment to prioritizing farmers and strengthening national food sovereignty. He emphasized that reducing rice imports would allow Indonesian farmers to enjoy greater prosperity.

He said supporting domestic farmers remains a key priority for the Indonesian Government. He stressed that policies benefiting farmers would continue to be strengthened.

"If we do not import rice, it means our farmers, our families, our fellow Indonesians will enjoy dignity and prosperity. Do you agree? That's right. Are we right or wrong? Right. Are we right or wrong? Right. We stand with our farmers. Isn't that true? Because we stand with our farmers, we will solve the problems that burden them," he said.

To support that commitment, the Indonesian Government is positioning KDMP as a price stabilizer for agricultural and fisheries commodities. The cooperatives will purchase products when market prices fall below established benchmarks.

Zulkifli Hasan also explained that the cooperatives would buy agricultural and fishery products when prices declined. He said the mechanism would help prevent farmers and fishers from suffering financial losses.

"If corn prices fall below the benchmark, the cooperative will buy the harvest. The Red and White Fishers Cooperative. The Red and White Fishers Village. If fish prices become too low, fishermen will suffer losses. The Red and White Fishers Cooperative will buy their catch," he added.

He also said around 35,800 Red and White Village/Subdistrict Cooperatives are targeted to be established with appointed managers by August 31, 2026. Once cooperative outlets begin operating, subsidized goods and government assistance will be immediately available for rural communities.