Enhancing Understanding of Cooperatives, Politap Holds Socialization for Lecturers and Staff

Ketapang, 17 March 2025 – Politeknik Negeri Ketapang (Ketapang State Polytechnic) held a Cooperative Socialization event themed “Academic Service Unit, Career Development and Entrepreneurship of Politeknik Negeri Ketapang” as a step to introduce the importance of cooperatives in improving welfare and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among the Politap academic community. The event took place in Politap’s PBL room, featuring speaker Armen Sahlan, S.E., a cooperative analyst from the Department of Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, Trade and Industry (DKUKMPP) of Ketapang Regency.

The event began with an official opening, followed by singing the national anthem Indonesia Raya and reciting a prayer before the main session commenced. The Director of Politeknik Negeri Ketapang, Irianto SP, S.ST., M.MA., in his remarks highlighted the importance of cooperatives as a platform for the Politap academic community to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and enhance collective welfare.

“A cooperative is not merely an economic organization, but also a platform to instill the values of togetherness, transparency, and independence in financial management. I hope that through this socialization, lecturers and education personnel can gain a better understanding and actively contribute to the cooperative for our shared welfare,” he stated.

Following the opening remarks, the event proceeded with a group photo session to document this important occasion. Afterward, the main presentation on cooperatives was delivered by the speaker, Armen Sahlan, S.E. In his presentation, Armen explained the basic concepts of cooperatives, their benefits, and how cooperatives can serve as a vehicle to build an independent and sustainable economy.

In addition, the material presented also covered cooperative business technicalities and member management. Participants gained insights into how cooperatives can be managed professionally, ranging from drafting articles of association and bylaws, capital management strategies, to profit distribution mechanisms for members. Cooperative member management was also a focal point of discussion, where active involvement and transparency in cooperative management were emphasized as key factors for success.

The participants consisted of teaching staff (lecturers) and education personnel (staff), who showed strong enthusiasm in developing the cooperative as part of improving their welfare. The attendees actively engaged in an interactive discussion session, posing questions and consulting directly with the speaker.

The event was then officially concluded, marking the end of the socialization session that is expected to provide insights and increase the interest of the Politap academic community in actively participating in the cooperative. Through this event, it is hoped that the Politap cooperative can grow better and provide tangible benefits to all its members. (finn)