Currently, there are more talks and discussion on cooperatives. Cooperatives, however, still lack in efforts in realizing their dream. Although Ministry of Cooperatives was once established, the role of cooperatives in the economy is still considered small compared to that of other business sectors, such as state-owned enterprises or private businesses. "They are still far behind. We need to struggle for them, which include Universitas Gadjah Mada's Cooperative, Kokelgam," said Senior Vice Rector of Administrative, Finance, and Human Resources of UGM, Prof. Ainun Na'im, Ph.D., at Faculty of Agricultural Technology, UGM, Saturday (13/3).
The Vice Rector delivered that statement when he opened the Annual Member Meeting XXXVI and the closing of financial year of 2009 of UGM's Cooperative (Kokelgam). In the meeting which was attended by 276 participants, he invited all members of the board and members of Kokelgam to jointly develop Kokelgam. "Although UGM also has Kosudgama cooperative, it is okay if we promote this Kokelgam to the lecturers to increase their participation. We can also improve the welfare of our members,†he said.
The Vice Rector recognized the old age of the cooperative whose business development seems less encouraging. The managers have even developed various types of businesses. "There are saving and loan, but the amount of loans is higher than the saving's, there is also loan for cars, telecom shops, services for vehicle registration papers, etc., photocopying service, and retail. The total turnover, however, is only 1 billion rupiah. This year there was a slight increase, but the cost also increased. In the end, the surplus is still low," he added.
Ainun Na'im commented that it is not easy to develop this business. Sometimes it is caused by the policy made by senior officials. In their developments, cooperatives are left far behind by the others.
Furthermore, the Vice Rector said that actually there are business opportunities at UGM as there are about 60,000 people at UGM. "The number of students is over 50,000, plus approximately 7,000 members of faculty and staff, and the surrounding communities. If we include all of them, there are about 200 thousand people; that is a good opportunity," he added.
Inspite of it all, Ainun Na'im still appreciated the efforts made by Kokelgam. He also hoped that the success and achievements can be maintained.
Also attending in this meeting were Chairman of PKPRI; Cooperatives, Industry and Trade Agency of Sleman Regency; and representatives of Sleman regency's cooperatives.