Decree for Kopdes Managers Issued, But Fate of 28,626 Workers Still Unclear
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- Pemerintah menerbitkan SK Manajer Kopdes Merah Putih pada 23 September 2026, namun para manajer belum ditempatkan karena status kepegawaian masih diperdebatkan.
- Dua pejabat tinggi memberikan pernyataan bertentangan: Menteri Koperasi menyebut mereka siap diangkat, sementara COO Danantara menegaskan bukan pegawai BUMN.
- Ketidakpastian ini berisiko menunda operasional koperasi desa dan menimbulkan keraguan di kalangan profesional yang telah meninggalkan pekerjaan sebelumnya.
The government finally issued a Decree (SK) for Managers of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (Kopdes) on Wednesday (23/9/2026), alongside the signing of Presidential Regulation Number 82 of 2026 by President Prabowo Subianto. However, the issuance of the decree does not automatically allow the managers to start working. They are still waiting for placement at their respective outlets, while their employment status—whether they will become state-owned enterprise (BUMN) employees or not—remains a big question mark.
Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom) M Qodari stated that placement is being carried out in a measured way, not merely chasing speed. "The government is not only chasing the speed of placement, but also ensuring that the managers enter a clear work system," he said in a press release, Monday (21/9/2026). Qodari understands that many prospective managers have resigned from their previous jobs, making certainty about start time, location, and rights crucial.
On the other hand, there are differing statements within the government. Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono said around 28,626 managers are ready to be appointed and employed. Initially, the government promised that Kopdes managers would have the status of employees of the BUMN PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara. Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan even said, "Later after two years they will become cooperative officers," during a meeting at his office, Monday (4/5/2026).
However, Danantara COO and BUMN Head Dony Oskaria emphasized that Kopdes managers and Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP) personnel assigned for two years do not have BUMN employee status. "Actually, they are not BUMN employees; it will be conveyed later that because this is a two-year assignment, these cooperatives are being developed first," Donny told media crews, Tuesday (22/9/2026). This statement was immediately rebutted by the President Director of PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara, Joao Angelo De Sousa Mota, who emphasized that Kopdes managers will have BUMN employee status with a two-year PKWT contract. "BUMN employees," Joao said at the Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (23/9/2026).
This uncertainty could delay the operations of village cooperatives, which are a priority program of President Prabowo. Managers who have left their previous jobs now face unclear income and career prospects. If not resolved soon, this could reduce public trust in a program touted as capable of driving the village economy.
For readers in Indonesia, especially professionals interested in joining or investors monitoring the food sector, this situation is an important signal. Legal certainty and clarity of employment status are key factors in attracting the best talent. Prolonged uncertainty can hamper recruitment and ultimately slow the achievement of program targets.
The government needs to immediately align perceptions among relevant ministries and agencies. Without clarity, this ambitious program risks losing momentum. Will the status of Kopdes managers be resolved soon, or will it instead become a bad precedent for other priority programs? Time will tell, but every day of delay means lost economic opportunities.
