From Campus to Economic Movement: Time for Gen Z to Level Up Through Cooperatives

A new spirit in the cooperative movement is emerging from campuses. Hundreds of students gathered at the Cooperative Literacy event for the Young Generation, themed “Coop Movement: Better Cooperative, Better Indonesia,” held at Ikopin University in Sumedang Regency, West Java.

This event is not merely a discussion forum but a crucial moment to shift young people’s perspectives on cooperatives from being seen as “outdated” to relevant, modern, and full of opportunities.

LPDB Koperasi Director Krisdianto, who attended the event in person, emphasised that cooperative literacy for the young generation is an urgent need today.

“It is very important because knowledge and understanding of cooperatives among the young generation, especially Gen Z, is still minimal (unlike in the past), and we hope that the sustainability and growth of cooperatives rest on their shoulders,” he stated.

According to him, LPDB Koperasi continues to play a strategic role in encouraging youth involvement through broader collaborations, one of which is the LPDB Inkubator programme involving 15 incubator institutions across Indonesia.

“LPDB is increasingly intensifying cooperation and financing for cooperatives affiliated with youth organisations or communities,” Krisdianto added.

In addition, LPDB Koperasi actively supports the strengthening of village cooperative ecosystems through the Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih (KDKMP) programme.

“Not long ago, at the instruction of the Minister, we collaborated with various parties in the Ministry of Cooperatives to compile a guidebook for microfinance institutions to be implemented by KDKMP, particularly savings and loan units. It will soon be disseminated as a guide. Moreover, we continue to process funding proposals from KDKMP in accordance with Ministry of Cooperatives Regulation Number 09 of 2025,” he explained.

Krisdianto also delivered a strong message to the young generation not to hesitate in entering the world of cooperatives.

“Cooperatives are the right vehicle for the young generation to realise a better economic life amid global uncertainties. Pancasila economic values such as transparency, honesty, justice, and prosperity form the foundation, so every young person has an equal opportunity to develop and create added value,” Krisdianto added.