South Tangerang Mayor Urges Merah Putih Cooperatives to Drive MSMEs and Local Economy
The Mayor of South Tangerandal (Tangsel), Benyamin Davnie, is encouraging the Merah Putih Cooperatives, which have been established across all sub-districts, to become the driving force for MSMEs and the people’s economy. The existence of these cooperatives is intended to serve not merely as savings and loan institutions, but as a means to create a productive business ecosystem for the community.
Currently, 54 Merah Putih Cooperatives have been established across the 54 sub-districts of South Tangerang. Their presence is part of an effort to strengthen the economy of residents from the level closest to their daily lives.
“Alhamdulillah, all sub-districts in South Tangerang City now have Merah Putih Cooperatives. This is an important step in building the community’s economic strength from the bottom up, involving citizens as the primary actors in economic development,” he stated in a written release on Tuesday.
The formation of these cooperatives is described as a strategic move to strengthen the foundations of the people’s economy while opening up broader business opportunities. Through these cooperatives, residents can develop businesses collectively, strengthen market access, and increase the competitiveness of local products.
Benyamin emphasised that MSMEs have long been a backbone of the regional economy. Therefore, cooperatives must be able to serve as a space for collaboration among business actors as well as a means for sustainable community empowerment.
“Merah Putih Cooperatives must be able to act as the engine for MSMEs. Beyond managing businesses collectively, cooperatives must also open partnership opportunities, expand marketing access, and help increase the business capacity of the community,” he said.
The South Tangerang City Government has facilitated various administrative and institutional needs, ranging from the formation process to legal assistance. All established cooperatives are also being encouraged to develop business units according to the potential and needs of their respective areas.
Strengthening the capacity of cooperative management is also a serious priority. Benyamin emphasised that the success of this programme depends heavily on professional, transparent, and accountable governance.
“We want these cooperatives to grow into a new economic force within the community. When cooperatives flourish, MSMEs advance, jobs increase, and community welfare rises,” he added.
The presence of the Merah Putih Cooperatives is seen as aligned with the South Tangerang City Government’s commitment to strengthening the local economy and expanding business opportunities at the sub-district level. With the support of cooperative managers, MSME actors, and the community, Benyamin is optimistic that this programme can develop into an inclusive and competitive economic pillar.
“Our hope is that these cooperatives truly belong to the community, are managed professionally, and provide real benefits. If the community’s economy moves at the sub-district level, the impact will be felt widely across the economic growth of South Tangerang City,” he concluded.