The Merah Putih Urban Village Cooperative (KKMP) in Banjarsari, Surakarta City, has successfully captured public attention with impressive economic achievements. Since operating at full capacity in September 2025, this cooperative has recorded significant growth, posting a turnover exceeding Rp300 million within the first six months of 2026. In addition to the surge in transactions, membership numbers also rose sharply from 32 to 130 people.
Head of KKMP Banjarsari, Budi Agung Setyowicoyo, revealed that this success stems from a business model that positions the cooperative as a distribution center for basic necessities as well as a strategic partner for MSME actors. By streamlining the supply chain through collaboration with Bulog and ID Food, the cooperative can supply basic food items at more affordable prices for the surrounding community.
More than just selling basic goods, KKMP Banjarsari functions as an off-taker that absorbs local MSME products. This step provides market certainty for small business operators in Surakarta while creating a self-sustaining economic ecosystem. Given the ongoing positive trend, cooperative management is optimistic that the Net Operating Income (SHU) target will increase significantly by the end of 2026.
The success in Banjarsari is part of the implementation of the government-initiated Village/Urban Village Merah Putih Cooperative Program. Central Java Regional Secretary, Sumarno, emphasized that this initiative aims to strengthen the grassroots economy. The Central Java Provincial Government is also boosting this program by launching cooperative education insertion for 6.38 million students across all education levels, aimed at instilling an understanding of cooperative concepts in the younger generation from an early age.
