Teamwork and Cooperation for Cooperative Development in Blora District
The Department of Trade, Cooperatives, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (Dindagkop UKM) in Blora District is calling on residents in every village to actively participate in becoming members of the Red and White Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih). The head of Dindagkop UKM Blora, Kiswoyo, emphasized that the success of cooperatives is highly dependent on the participation of all residents, including village officials and civil servants.
Kiswoyo stated that if everyone becomes a member, the cooperative will have a strong foundation. Cooperatives are not just financial institutions but also drive economic development in the village. Civil servants can lead by example, showing that cooperatives are transparent and healthy institutions. The sustainability of Kopdes Merah Putih is ensured by recent government regulations that allow these cooperatives to access loans of up to Rp3 billion with low interest rates.
These funds can be used for various purposes, including operational costs, savings and loans, clinics, pharmacies, and logistics development such as cold storage. Operational spending is capped at a maximum of Rp500 million, with a long tenure of up to 72 months and a grace period of 6–8 months. Currently, Blora District has established 295 Kopdes Merah Putih with a variety of businesses, ranging from savings and loans to agriculture and successful cattle fattening programs in several sub-districts.
Kiswoyo emphasized that the potential for growth is significant with the support of regulations and oversight from the district head and village officials. With serious cultivation and monitoring, Kopdes Merah Putih in Blora will continue to flourish.
