Dekopin Affirms Commitment to Cooperative Modernisation Through Gen Z Regeneration
“Bung Hatta founded the cooperative movement with a highly progressive vision of togetherness. Our task now is to translate that vision into the language and lifestyle of today’s young people.”
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Cooperative Council (Dekopin) has affirmed its commitment to modernising cooperatives through leadership regeneration and the involvement of Generation Z (Gen Z) as an effort to preserve the sustainability of the cooperative movement in the digital era.
The commitment was made during a pilgrimage to the grave of Proclaimer and Father of Indonesian Cooperatives Mohammad Hatta at Tanah Kusir Public Cemetery (TPU), South Jakarta, ahead of the 79th National Cooperative Day (Harkopnas) commemoration.
Dekopin Secretary General Gilang Widya Pramana said in Jakarta on Saturday that regeneration is a strategic step to ensure that the cooperative values passed down by Bung Hatta remain relevant to the times.
“Bung Hatta founded the cooperative movement with a highly progressive vision of togetherness. Our task now is to translate that vision into the language and lifestyle of today’s young people. Gen Z has high creativity, is adaptive to technology, and has a strong sense of social concern,” said Gilang.
According to him, Dekopin is running a Gen Z Brand Ambassador selection programme to scout young figures from various regions who are able to bring cooperatives into the digital ecosystem while inspiring their own generation.
He added that the organisation is committed to rejuvenating the image of cooperatives so they are no longer seen as old-fashioned institutions, but rather as business platforms relevant to young entrepreneurs through innovation and the use of technology.
Gilang said the pilgrimage to Bung Hatta’s grave is not merely a routine agenda, but a moment of reflection to strengthen the cooperative movement’s commitment to the ideals of a people-based economy founded on the spirit of mutual cooperation (gotong royong).
Meanwhile, Cooperative Minister Ferry Juliantono, who also led the pilgrimage, said the fighting spirit and thinking of Bung Hatta remain the foundation for strengthening the national cooperative movement.
According to him, the presence of officials from the Ministry of Cooperatives together with Dekopin and cooperative movement actors at Bung Hatta’s grave is a form of respect for the Proclaimer’s services and a reminder that the ideal of building a cooperative-based economy must be continued.
Ferry added that the government is committed to continuing Bung Hatta’s struggle through various cooperative strengthening programmes, including the establishment of the Red and White Village/Neighbourhood Cooperatives (KDMP). To date, around 30,000 KDMPs have been formed, with a target of reaching around 40,000 units by the end of 2026. In addition to the Harkopnas main event on 12 July at Indonesia Arena in Jakarta, the commemoration series will also feature a fun run, a cooperative bazaar, the renovation of the First Cooperative Congress site in Tasikmalaya, and the Cooperative Awards at the end of July.
During the event, Dekopin officials together with the finalists of the Dekopin Gen Z Brand Ambassador programme offered prayers while retracing Bung Hatta’s struggle as the pioneer of the Indonesian cooperative movement.
One of the Dekopin Gen Z Brand Ambassador finalists, Ridwan Sahroni, said the experience of visiting Bung Hatta’s grave strengthened his conviction that the value of mutual cooperation remains highly relevant for the younger generation.
“We are ready to package the noble values of cooperatives into creative content that is relevant, digital, and inclusive, so that young people become aware that cooperatives are the economic pillar of their future,” said Ridwan.
Dekopin invited the younger generation to view cooperatives not only as an economic pillar of the past, but also as a foundation for shared prosperity in the future.
The peak of the 79th Harkopnas commemoration is scheduled to take place on 12 July 2026 at Indonesia Arena, Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, under the theme “Empowered Cooperatives, A Victorious Indonesia”. The event is planned to be attended by President Prabowo Subianto, Cooperative Minister Ferry Juliantono, and Dekopin Chairman Bambang Haryadi.