TOP CO-OP

Cooperatives-whose anniversary is celebrated every July 12 nationwide-have a special place in Indonesia. Their existence is guaranteed by Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution. Mohammad Hatta, the nation's first vice president, fought hard all his life to ensure cooperatives became the pillar of the national economy. There are over 180,000 registered cooperative units throughout Indonesia, but around 25 percent of them are inactive due to various problems, from lack of trained personnel to access to capital. Nevertheless, Tempo English Edition found a number of successful cooperatives in three provinces, some with assets over Rp2 trillion and really benefitting the people. They are located in West Kalimantan, Papua and Southeast Sulawesi, from where Tempo English Edition contributors sent in their reports.