The Red and White Urban Village Cooperative (KKMP), located in Cangakan, Karanganyar Regency, has begun diversifying its business units by expanding into the coffee shop industry. The initiative, titled 'Kopi Desa Merah Putih' (KADEMPE), is designed as a strategic move to boost the grassroots economy while attracting the younger generation to become more familiar with and involved in cooperative activities.
Head of KKMP Cangakan, Sigit Danang Jaya, stated that the initial operational capital for this business was entirely raised through the self-reliance of the cooperative's 75 founders. Although it currently operates modestly in the secretariat area next to the Cangakan Urban Village Office, the choice of the coffee business was based on market research showing a sharp, continuous increase in coffee consumption trends in Karanganyar.
Sigit added that this step represents the cooperative's adaptation to changing times. In addition to creating an independent revenue stream, the coffee shop is projected to become a collaborative space for the local community to explore economic potential in the area, aligning with the regional economic development programs initiated by the government.
Similar support came from the Acting Head of the Karanganyar Regency Cooperative Council, Muhammad Maksum. According to him, KKMP Cangakan's innovation is a tangible example of cooperative transformation relevant to current market needs. He considers this step highly effective in reshaping the cooperative's image to be more appealing to the younger generation.
Furthermore, Maksum expressed hope that this business unit will not stop at being just a coffee shop, but will also integrate the local economic ecosystem. Moving forward, he encourages the cooperative to forge strategic partnerships with local coffee farmers to shorten the supply chain, allowing the economic value generated to be directly felt by the people in Karanganyar Regency.
