Early-Stage Implementation of the Merah Putih Cooperative: Governance Readiness for Community Economic Empowerment in Towuntu Village, Southeast Minahasa

The Merah Putih Cooperative Program is a national initiative to strengthen village-level economic institutions under Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2025. This study examines early implementation in Towuntu Village, identifies enabling and constraining factors, and assesses governance readiness for future community economic empowerment. A descriptive qualitative single-case study combined semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document review. Fourteen informants represented village officials, cooperative managers, active members, community leaders, and a district cooperative-agency facilitator. Data were analyzed thematically using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana, supported by source and methodological triangulation and member checking. Participants reported that the cooperative had completed formal establishment but had not begun substantive operations. Limited capital and the absence of premises were immediate resource constraints, while the lack of post-establishment member meetings, agreed business plans, clear responsibilities, accountability arrangements, sustained technical assistance, and coordination indicated broader governance-readiness gaps. Favorable community acceptance and gotong royong represented potential social resources, although their contribution to long-term sustainability remains untested. Members reported no economic benefits at this pre-operational stage; program impact could therefore not be evaluated. The findings highlight the need for a phased, member-led governance-readiness process before business services are activated and empowerment outcomes assessed.