Poverty Eradication

Welcoming the Great Council of 2011, Kosgoro held a National Work Congress (Mukernas) at Wisma Mas Isman Jakarta. The event that was attended by 20 MDDs Province took place on 10th to 12th December 2010.

Mukernas is themed "Through The Soul and Spirit of Tri Dharma Kosgoro, We Generate Ethos Work for People's Welfare." State Minister for Cooperatives and SMEs Syarief Dr. Hasan, the Chairman and members of the MPO Kosgoro W Bambang Suharto and Hayono Isman were attended this event.

Kosgoro Chairman Effendi Yusuf said in his speech, in this time besides Mukernas Kosgoro will discuss national developments will also focus on discussing the people's economy in which there are cooperative. Since Kosgoro is always concern on people's economy to alleviate poverty in Indonesia.

Evidence that Kosgoro has done something for the people is by held a transmigration program to East Lampung in 1960. "It is a proof that Kosgoro has done something for the people," he explained.

Kosgoro always remained consistent in the people's economic relating to farmers, fishermen, craftsmen, small economy and workers, as inspired by the Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus from Bangladesh with his poverty alleviation efforts.

Despite has done many things for people, yet Kosgoro remains in silent, so it continues to alleviating poverty until today. The Savings and Credit cooperatives triggered by Kosgoro is still existed.

Meanwhile, members of the MPO Kosgoro, Hayono Isman said in his speech, in the current reform era Kosgoro no longer practical politics. Consequently Kosgoro experienced political loss. This is different to the New Order where Kosgoro supported New Order and Golkar supporters.

"One significant way to achieve people's welfare is to empower cooperatives and SMEs. Kosgoro focused on improving the development of cooperatives," he explained.

According to Syarif, cooperatives and SMEs are the two inseparable institutions. Therefore it wants to be remembered by its members not only on December 20-30, ie, when financial condition is difficult. Therefore, the cooperative should be able to provide dividends to the community at any time.

On this occasion Syarif also emphasized members to be proud of co-operative, because it can bring welfare and capable of alleviating poverty. Moreover, the role of cooperatives in Indonesia continues to grow. Even from about 175 thousand of cooperatives in Indonesia, only 25% which undeveloped yet because it still needs capital.

"That task Kosgoro to revive the cooperative is resting," he explained.

Photos: Safari Sidakaton/TNOL