Established in 1982, Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Student Cooperative (Kopma) has become integral to campus life.
Kopma UGM provides various goods and services students need and serves as a platform for fostering entrepreneurship and solidarity among students.
Today, Kopma UGM continues to grow with various innovations and updates to remain relevant to current student needs. One key initiative underway is the plan to open a new outlet, aiming to expand accessibility and improve services for all students on the UGM campus.
Kopma UGM has officially collaborated with the UGM Innovation and Creativity Center (GIK UGM) to launch the UGM Shop GIK, which is projected to become GIK’s front face.
Strategically located in Zone A of GIK, right in front of UGM boulevard, UGM Shop GIK will serve as a central hub for UGM community activities and broader public interactions.
Secretary of the Directorate of Student Affairs, Dr. Hempri Suyatna, revealed that UGM Shop GIK would introduce a new concept emphasizing collaboration and modernization of Kopma UGM.
“Collaboration is a key value that we uphold in developing this outlet, where we will involve students, faculties, and private sectors to maximize existing potential, especially in the downstream process of research and creations by UGM’s academic community,” Dr. Suyatna stated on Monday (Jan. 13).
“Historically, Kopma has always been part of the Student Center. The establishment of UGM Shop GIK is part of UGM’s commitment to transforming the Student Cooperative for better growth and development,” Dr. Suyatna continued.
According to him, this transformation process involves a physical move and governance changes in Kopma by adopting a multi-stakeholder cooperative model and service innovations, such as the benefits or advantages of being a Kopma member.
Dr. Suyatna mentioned that ongoing communication between Kopma, the rectorate, and his directorate, involving Kopma advisors and mentors, has significantly guided this cooperative transformation.
Moreover, the board has actively participated in ensuring a smooth process and gathering feedback from the cooperative’s members, who are UGM students.
Following this, several discussions have been held with GIK management, particularly regarding the concept and technical implementation, aligning GIK’s values with those of Kopma UGM.
“Discussions are still ongoing to oversee the implementation of the current transformation agenda,” he said.
On the new location’s accessibility for students, Dr. Suyatna said there would be no significant issues as UGM Shop GIK will be situated near UGM Boulevard, which Kopma used several years ago.
Moreover, GIK management has organized several events that have the potential to increase foot traffic. Collaboration with faculties also contributes to maintaining traffic at the new outlet.
“Collaboration between UGM, GIK, students, and private sectors will be realized, particularly in offering high-quality products, so UGM Shop GIK will strive to provide more premium products,” Dr. Suyatna concluded.
CEO of GIK UGM, Dr. Alfatika Aunuriella Dini, stated that as part of UGM Shop GIK, Kopma has an opportunity to enhance its visibility through an interior design concept that incorporates modern elements and aligns with GIK’s identity.
With innovative and aesthetically pleasing display facilities, Kopma will appear more attractive, relevant, and competitive in today’s market.
“This collaboration does not stop at the physical transformation; it opens significant opportunities for Kopma to establish partnerships with various parties. GIK and Kopma plan to develop collaborative programs, from creative ideas and product design to business and marketing strategies,” Dr. Dini said.
According to her, some of the strategic development plans for UGM Shop GIK include co-branding with major Yogyakarta brands such as Dagadu and Starcross to strengthen local identity with global appeal.
Additionally, cross-market collaborations with popular Intellectual Properties (IP) like the Jogfest Merchandise Project and Music Merch Festival will open new opportunities in the creative market segment.
Lastly, partnerships with artists aim to explore creative potential, creating unique products that can attract a broader market. Through these initiatives, Kopma and GIK strengthen their business presence and expand innovation networks, create an inclusive creative ecosystem, and boost consumer purchasing power.
“This synergy is expected to position Kopma more strategically in both campus business and the wider market,” she concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photos: Kopma and GIK UGM