Jakarta, March 7 -- The Red and White Village Cooperatives (Kop Des) planned by President Prabowo Subianto will aim to absorb local agricultural produce and maintain food stocks to support food security, according to Home Minister Tito Karnavian.

He said that the cooperative will act as off-takers or buyers of farm produce, which will later be sold at affordable prices without middlemen who claim big margins.

"This cooperative has responsibilities such as buying and storing food products, and also pharmacies. This is a one-stop solution (for villagers)," he added in a press statement issued on Friday.

Currently, several food commodities, such as rice, chicken eggs, chicken meat, and beef, are enjoying good prices at the consumer level ...