State-owned bank PT Bank Negara Indonesia is determined to support the Red-and-White Village and Urban Cooperative Program, launched by President Prabowo Subianto, in Bentangan Village, Klaten, Central Java on Monday, July 21, 2025.
The initiative represents a national effort to build a sovereign and people-centered economic system, aiming to establish 80,000 cooperatives across Indonesia. These cooperatives will serve as key economic pillars in their respective communities, offering a wide range of services including logistics, cold storage, public clinics, basic goods outlets, and financial services.
As a member of the State-Owned Banks Association (HIMBARA), BNI plays an active role in managing 22 of the 103 pilot cooperatives, including the one inaugurated in Bentangan Village. The bank is providing support through digital financial services, institutional capacity building, and access to financing.
“Cooperatives transform weakness into strength. This is the path toward true independence — the ability to ensure a decent life for all Indonesians,” President Prabowo said at the launch event ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Cabinet, leaders and members of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD), regional heads from across the country, and executives from participating institutions, including BNI President Director Putrama Wahju Setyawan and BNI senior management.
Financial ecosystem
BNI’s Corporate Secretary, Okki Rushartomo, outlined the bank’s strategy to empower village cooperatives through an integrated financial ecosystem. This includes the BNIdirect platform, wondr by BNI, and Agen46, as well as BNI’s extensive banking agent network that reaches deep into rural areas.
“BNI is ready to help village cooperatives grow as pillars of an independent and inclusive local economy. We’re offering more than financing − we’re bringing digital solutions and institutional strengthening,” Okki said.
The Red-and-White Cooperative Program includes the formation of new cooperatives, revitalization of dormant ones, and expansion of existing cooperatives. These institutions will be tasked with managing strategic services to support village self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on middlemen and informal lenders.
Bank’s founding vision
BNI sees this program as a continuation of the vision of its founder, R.M. Margono Djojohadikusumo, who believed in building national economic strength from the grassroots. The initiative is expected to accelerate equitable development and sustainable village independence across the archipelago.
“With BNI’s active participation, this program will not only uplift local communities but also drive balanced and inclusive national growth,” Okki concluded.
The Red-and-White Cooperative Program is one of Indonesia’s largest grassroots economic empowerment initiatives, targeting the creation of tens of thousands of cooperatives in both rural and urban areas by the end of 2025.
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