Viral Video Misrepresents Cooperative Site in West Java: Locals Clarify

A video circulating on social media has sparked debate about the construction of the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (Kopdes Merah Putih) in Gunung Masigit Village, West Bandung Regency, West Java. The viral footage depicted the site as seemingly inaccessible, surrounded by dense bushes and bamboo, with a karst hill in the background, leading to accusations of a poorly chosen location.

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It's not in the middle of the forest; it's near a village, just located near the Stone Garden tourist spot.

Republika investigated the site on Monday, July 6, 2026, confirming its location in Kampung Girimulya, within the Stone Garden and Indiana Camp tourist area at the foot of Mount Masigit. The cooperative building, measuring 20x30 meters, is approximately 500 meters from the main road and about 100 meters from the nearest residential area. While the access road is described as rocky, it is not entirely cut off.

Mimin, a 36-year-old resident, supported the cooperative's establishment, believing it was a result of community deliberation. "It's not in the middle of the forest; it's near a village, just located near the Stone Garden tourist spot," she stated, expressing personal approval for the project.

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What was said that Koperasi Desa Merah Putih in Gunung Masigit is on a mountain, is actually not true. It's at the foot of Mount Masigit, even in the parking lot of Stone Garden.

Gunungmasigit Village Head, Tarkopa, addressed the viral narrative, stating it misrepresented the reality. "What was said that Koperasi Desa Merah Putih in Gunung Masigit is on a mountain, is actually not true. It's at the foot of Mount Masigit, even in the parking lot of Stone Garden," he explained. Tarkopa assured that the building's placement does not obstruct the parking area and was strategically arranged.

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And also the construction does not obstruct the parking lot because it was arranged not to be in the middle.