An Indonesian official has cast doubt on a viral report claiming that managers of village cooperatives, known as Kopdes, earn a monthly salary of Rp16 million. Purbaya, a senior figure at Indonesia's Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS), said the figure is likely incorrect and appears excessive.
According to detikFinance, Purbaya responded to the viral claim on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, stating, "It must be wrong, it seems too big." He suggested that if such a salary were proposed, it would not receive approval. Republika.co.id also quoted Purbaya as saying, "If the Kopdes manager's salary is Rp16 million, we just don't approve it."
The viral salary figure has drawn attention to the broader government initiative to establish village cooperatives across Indonesia. The program, known as KDKMP, aims to strengthen rural economies by providing financial services at the village level. The Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration has emphasized the need to ensure KDKMP cooperatives succeed, as reported by detikNews.
Meanwhile, other officials have weighed in on the program's implementation. Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan dismissed rumors that some Kopdes were located in the middle of the sea, questioning how such operations could function, according to CNN Indonesia. A national seminar on KDKMP was held in Ternate, as documented by ANTARA Foto.
The discussion highlights the government's push to expand financial inclusion in rural areas while maintaining oversight of cooperative management. As the KDKMP program rolls out nationwide, observers will be watching whether salary structures and operational standards align with the program's goals of sustainable village-level financial services.
