DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - Deli Serdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan has called on all cooperative stakeholders in the region to continuously adapt to technological developments and changing community needs. He emphasized that cooperatives must transform into professional, healthy, and modern economic institutions capable of providing tangible benefits for their members.
The statement was delivered by
Asri Ludin Tambunan while leading the commemoration of the
79th National Cooperative Day in 2026, held at Tengku Raja Muda Square in Lubuk Pakam on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The event carried the theme "Strong Cooperatives, a Prosperous Indonesia", highlighting a shared commitment to strengthening the role of cooperatives in building a modern, independent, and sustainable people-based economy.
On the occasion, the Deli Serdang Regent expressed his appreciation to all parties who have continued to maintain and develop cooperatives amid various economic challenges.
"I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to all cooperative stakeholders, including management boards, supervisory boards, administrators, members, and supporters of cooperatives. With strong commitment, they have continued to maintain and develop cooperatives despite the many challenges we face together," he said.
PROMOTING COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT: Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan appreciates cooperative stakeholders who continue to maintain and develop cooperatives despite various economic challenges. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Cooperatives as Drivers of the People's Economy
Accompanied by Deli Serdang Deputy Regent Lom Lom Suwondo, Chairwoman of the Deli Serdang Family Welfare Movement (PKK) Ny Jelita Asri Ludin Tambunan, and PKK expert team member Ny Asniar Lom Lom Suwondo, Asri Ludin explained that cooperatives play a strategic role as an economic movement based on mutual cooperation, family values, and economic democracy.
He stated that the values introduced by Indonesian cooperative figure Bung Hatta remain relevant in today's economic development. The government is also strengthening the role of cooperatives through the establishment and development of Merah Putih Village and Urban Village Cooperatives (KDMP).
"Through Merah Putih Village and Urban Village Cooperatives, the government is supporting the establishment of more than 80,000 cooperatives as centers of community economic activities. These cooperatives are expected to help shorten distribution chains, improve access to financing, expand the marketing of local products, and bring economic services closer to the community," he explained.
According to him, cooperatives at the village and urban village levels can become new drivers in strengthening the local economy. They are not only platforms for collective business activities but also provide wider economic opportunities for the community.
Cooperatives Must Enter the Digital Era
Asri Ludin emphasized that modern cooperatives must not fall behind technological advancements. Digital transformation, he said, is a crucial step to ensure cooperatives remain competitive and are able to attract younger generations.
"We must leave behind the old perception that cooperatives are slow and outdated. Today's cooperatives must become digital cooperatives that can reach young people, young farmers, fishermen, micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) actors, creative industry players, and local start-ups," he stressed.
He believes technological development offers major opportunities for cooperatives to improve services, optimize management, and expand business networks. Through digital technology, cooperatives can establish management systems that are more transparent, effective, and aligned with modern demands.
In addition to encouraging digitalization, the government continues to improve regulations so cooperatives can better respond to economic changes, technological progress, and the evolving dynamics of community needs.
COOPERATIVES REACHING YOUNG FARMERS:
Asri Ludin Tambunan emphasizes that modern cooperatives through digital transformation must reach younger generations, young farmers, fishermen, MSME actors, creative industry players, and local start-ups. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Strengthening Cooperation and Cooperative Governance
During the
79th National Cooperative Day celebration, Asri Ludin called on all cooperative boards, members, and supporters to use the momentum as an opportunity to strengthen organizational foundations.
He expressed hope that cooperatives in Deli Serdang would improve their management systems, expand partnerships, and develop various innovations to support regional economic growth.
Asri Ludin also urged all stakeholders to preserve the spirit of togetherness and mutual cooperation as the main foundation in building the people's economy.
The 79th National Cooperative Day celebration in Deli Serdang was attended by representatives from the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), government agencies, cooperative boards and members, MSME actors, and various community groups.
The participation of numerous institutions and social elements reflects a collective commitment to strengthening cooperatives as one of the pillars of the economy in Deli Serdang Regency.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala