Central Java Secretary Sumarno Urges All Parties to Support Cooperative Revival

Central Java Regional Secretary Sumarno has invited all elements of society to work together in supporting the revival of cooperatives as a pillar of the people’s economy. The call was made while releasing around 2,000 participants of the UMKM Runwalk in the context of the 79th Cooperative Day at the provincial level of Central Java in the Manahan Stadium area, Surakarta, on Sunday (12/7). Representing Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi, Sumarno said Cooperative Day is a momentum to strengthen the cooperative movement so that it becomes healthier, more professional, and capable of improving the welfare of its members. According to him, the development of cooperatives requires the support of all stakeholders, from the government, the business world, and academics, to the community. “Hopefully, by commemorating this 79th anniversary, it will be the initial momentum for us to jointly build strong cooperatives, cooperatives that truly prosper their members,” said Sumarno. He emphasised that the government is currently pushing for the revival of cooperatives and invites all parties to collaborate. “The government wants to revive cooperatives. Let us support this together. Cooperatives cannot develop without the support of all parties,” he said. The UMKM Runwalk was attended by participants from 35 regencies and cities, originating from the cooperatives and SMEs service, private cooperatives, and the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives, covering a 2.7-kilometre route around the Manahan Stadium area. The Acting Head of the Central Java Cooperatives and SMEs Service, Desi Arijani, said the UMKM Runwalk concluded a series of commemorations for the 79th Cooperative Day, which had previously included exhibitions of cooperative and SME products, discussions, a tirakatan night, and cultural performances. She expressed hope that the synergy built would strengthen the transformation of cooperatives so they become more adaptive, professional, and capable of realising a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy for Central Java.