Cooperatives are one of the driving forces of the economy, especially at the community level with a relatively small number such as at the sub-district or village level. Cooperatives at the village level were established as a form of initiative from the community within it to be able to contribute to economic affairs and as much as possible to help with problems that exist in the community. Some examples of cooperatives at the village level are agricultural cooperatives that help farmers to be able to continue carrying out agricultural activities so that they run smoothly without any obstacles. The concept of cooperatives is indeed working together to provide assistance to any cooperative member who needs it. Therefore, at the village level, the role of cooperatives has a fairly large share in the wheels of the community’s economy, especially the cooperative members in it.
One example of a cooperative at the village level that is said to be successful and has also received appreciation up to the national level is the Girimulyo Village Cooperative in Central Papua Province. The cooperative is included in the assessment aspect of the organizing committee of the Pancasila Village competition which prioritizes how a sub-district can implement the values of Pancasila which are guidelines for the Indonesian people to run the government system at various levels including the village level. The existence of cooperatives is an implementation of Pancasila, which is included in the third principle, namely the unity of Indonesia, which prioritizes a united society to help each other in any field, including the economy. The rules in force in Indonesia regarding cooperatives also explain that the basis for running cooperatives is Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.
The Central Papua Provincial Government is also proud of the achievements of the Cooperative in Girimulyo Village which has succeeded in helping the village win the title of champion for Pancasila Village at the national level. The role of cooperatives, which is quite large in running the economy in the village, is increasingly supported by the assistance provided by the Central Papua Provincial Government. As a form of appreciation and hope for empowerment for cooperatives in the future, the local government has provided financial assistance of 500 million rupiah which is given to be managed by the cooperative in Girimulyo Village.
The hope that emerged when Girimulyo Village succeeded in winning the title of champion in Pancasila Village was that it could become an example for other villages, especially in the field of cooperatives. The community’s economy is the main focus that needs to be understood by all parties. The Central Papua Provincial Government also reminded the public that they will support cooperatives that are actively managed and beneficial to the community. Assistance is ready to be disbursed in large amounts so that each cooperative in Central Papua Province can carry out its role positively. The welfare of the community in the economic sector is indeed a shared responsibility that must be maintained and continuously pursued together.