The Central Kalimantan Provincial Government (Pemprov Kalteng) has established the 'Outstanding Cooperative' assessment event as a catalyst to enhance cooperative management in the region, aiming to bolster the local economy. "With the hope that cooperatives in Kalteng can increasingly contribute to economic growth and the welfare of their members," stated Norhani, Head of the Cooperative and SME Agency in Palangka Raya on Wednesday. Norhani emphasized the strategic role of cooperatives in supporting the local economy, including reducing unemployment by creating job opportunities through cooperative enterprises.
Cooperatives are viewed as vital economic arteries that must be developed alongside other business activities, thereby empowering not only cooperatives but also the broader community and eventually the national economy, Norhani added. Currently, the assessment process for Outstanding Cooperatives in Kalteng is in the identification stage, progressing towards evaluation with winners set to be announced on July 12, 2024. The categories for Outstanding Cooperatives include Service Cooperatives, Consumer Cooperatives, Producer Cooperatives, as well as Savings and Loan Cooperatives (KSP and KSPPS). Key criteria include active participation evidenced by Cooperative Registration Certificates, regular conduct of annual member meetings, and their roles as primary and secondary cooperatives across Central Kalimantan. Evaluation criteria encompass organizational aspects such as identity application, core values, cooperative principles, governance, management practices, productivity, benefits, impact, development, and competitiveness. The nomination verification and final determination will be formalized through a gubernatorial decree, with awardees receiving certificates of recognition and financial support for further development initiatives.
