MES Central Java and KDKMP Tambakrejo to Develop Sharia-Based Cooperatives
The Deputy Governor of Central Java, Taj Yasin Maimoen, has welcomed the initiative by the Central Java Sharia Economic Community (MES) to collaborate with the Tambakrejo Merah Putih Village/Ward Cooperative (KDKMP) in Semarang to develop Sharia-based cooperatives. This collaboration represents an initial step towards strengthening the Sharia economy at the village and ward levels, supporting Central Java’s development direction which, by 202scale7, will focus on sustainable tourism and the Sharia economy.
“I am grateful to MES for initiating this collaboration with one of the Merah Putih Cooperatives in Semarang to develop Sharia-based cooperative models,” said Taj Yasin following the National Seminar and Regional Deliberation of the Central Java MES at MG Setos Semarang on Saturday. According to the Deputy Governor, this collaborative model is worthy of wider expansion and has the potential to serve as a pilot project for other Merah Putih Cooperatives across Central Java, especially since over 8,000 such cooperatives have already been established in various regions.
He expressed hope that this initiative would not be limited to a single cooperative and that more Sharia-based Merah Putih Cooperatives would emerge in Central Java. He encouraged the implementation of this programme to begin in 2026 so that it can provide a tangible contribution to the regional development agenda in the following year.
The Chairperson of MES Central Java, Nyata Nugraha, stated that the partnership with KDKMP Tambakrejo is a pioneering breakthrough in the province. He hopes this step will serve as a development model for MES management in other regencies and cities. Nugraha added that MES Central Java is committed to supporting regional development programmes, particularly the strengthening of the Sharia economy as a pillar of economic growth in Central Java by 2027.
“MES Central Java is ready to assist and support the Central Java Provincial Government’s programmes, especially in realising the 2027 development agenda,” he said. Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Central MES, Ari Permana, affirmed the organisation’s full support for the development of the Sharia economy in Central Java, stating that the central office is prepared to back various programmes implemented in the region.
During the event, the Deputy Governor also inspected several MSME stalls managed by MES Central Java, which showcased various flagship products, including Troso weaving, fashion products, and various local culinary items. The collaboration between MES and KDKMP Tambakrejo is expected to be the first step in strengthening the community-based Sharia economic ecosystem while encouraging the growth of more inclusive, productive, and competitive cooperatives in Central Java.