The Roles of Village Unit Cooperative on Improving Economy of Rural Communities Donald Samuel Slamet Santosa
Satya Wacana Christian University
Abstract
The aim of this research is finding the roles of village unit cooperative (Indonesia: Koperasi Unit Desa) on improving economy of rural communities. The data of this is qualitative research collected by in-depth interview, participative observation and Focus Group Discussion. Data analyzed by componential analysis model (developed by Spradley). This research finding consist of two main roles: direct roles and indirect roles. Direct roles consist of roles in: advising business capital (funding function); advising and distributing raw material and other needed; helping communities to marketing the production; developing business capacity; improving human resources quality; and developing social engagement among communities. Then the indirect roles consist of: reducing unemployment and poverty; and reducing urbanization. Based on research finding, it is recommended to developing village unit cooperative in every small regional community (or village) to improve economy of rural communities.
Keywords: roles, village unit cooperative, rural communities
