Central Java Secretary Sumarno Urges All Parties to Support Cooperative Revival
Central Java Regional Secretary (Sekda) Sumarno has called on all elements of society to work together in supporting the revival of cooperatives as a pillar of the people’s economy. He made the appeal while sending off around 2,000 participants of the MSME Runwalk, held to mark the 79th Provincial Cooperatives Day of Central Java at the Manahan Stadium complex in Surakarta on Sunday (12/7).
Speaking on behalf of Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi, Sumarno said Cooperatives Day should serve as a moment to strengthen the cooperative movement so that it becomes healthier, more professional, and better able to improve the welfare of its members. According to him, developing cooperatives requires the support of all stakeholders, from government and the business community to academics and the wider public.
“We hope that by commemorating this 79th anniversary, it becomes the starting point for us to build strong cooperatives that genuinely bring prosperity to their members,” said Sumarno.
He stressed that the government is pushing for a revival of cooperatives and invited all parties to collaborate. “The government wants to revive cooperatives. Let us support this together. Cooperatives cannot develop without the backing of everyone,” he said.
The MSME Runwalk drew participants from all 35 regencies and cities, including officials from the cooperatives and MSME offices, private cooperatives, and the Red and White Village/Neighbourhood Cooperatives (KDKMP), covering a 2.7-kilometre route around the Manahan Stadium area.
Acting Head of the Central Java Cooperatives and MSME Office, Desi Arijani, said the MSME Runwalk closed a series of events marking the 79th Cooperatives Day, which had previously featured a cooperative and MSME product exhibition, discussions, a night vigil, and cultural performances.
She expressed hope that the synergy built would strengthen the transformation of cooperatives, making them more adaptive and professional, and capable of realising a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy for Central Java.