KOLABORASI MEMBANGUN EKONOMI RAKYAT MELALUI PEMBENTUKAN KOPERASI KELURAHAN MERAH PUTIH DI PAGESANGAN BARAT KECAMATAN MATARAM KOTA MATARAM

Abstract

Pagesangan Barat Subdistrict in Mataram City, characterized by dense population and limited arable land, faces significant economic challenges. With only 75 hectares of dry agricultural land and a single registered cooperative in 2021, the community exhibits a weak economic institutional structure and a high dependence on social assistance, as shown by 1,019 recipients of government food aid. This community service project aimed to establish the “Kelurahan Merah Putih” cooperative as a sustainable economic platform to empower local residents. Using a participatory and educational approach, the program involved 35 participants, including local leaders and micro-entrepreneurs, over a three-month period. Key activities included cooperative education, legal establishment, democratic leadership selection, and financial management training. As a result, nine residents were appointed as cooperative administrators, and members demonstrated a 17% increase in financial literacy and understanding of cooperative governance, as verified by pre- and post-training assessments. The cooperative initiated units in daily savings-loans, collective retail, and household waste services, enhancing community participation and economic resilience. Although challenges such as limited capital and digital literacy emerged, the initiative significantly improved local economic agency and established a foundation for long-term, community-led financial institutions. The findings highlight the effectiveness of grassroots cooperative development in addressing economic vulnerability, promoting inclusive growth, and supporting SDG goals on poverty reduction, decent work, and sustainable communities.