Indonesia clarifies locations of Merah Putih village cooperatives amid viral video claims

In Agam, West Sumatra, military district commander Letkol Inf Dwi Santoso said the Kopdeskel Merah Putih building in Sianok was located after a village council decision, with road access sufficient for trucks and construction funded by the government. He noted the facility, covering about 20 × 30 m and housing a minimarket, storage, and a health clinic, is set to open in August 2026.

In Lampung’s Tanggamus regency, village head Indrio Basuki denied a viral video that portrayed the Merah Putih cooperative as perched on the slope of Mount Tanggamus and isolated. He clarified that the building stands within the Sidokaton settlement, surrounded by homes, and presented footage showing the nearby community to dispute the remote‑location narrative.