en.malanginspirasi.com – The Setia Budi Wanita (SBW) Cooperative in Malang received a strategic visit for international cooperation from the Malaysian National Cooperatives Force (ANGKASA) Selangor Region, Malaysia on Tuesday (June 2).
Prof. Dr. Haji Datuk Mansyur bin Ahmad led 23-person group, along with Datuk Alias and Syahrudin from the ANGKASA Central Cooperative.
The aim of the visit is to closely observe the implementation of the ‘Joint Liability System’ (tanggung renteng) which is the foundation of the SBW Cooperative’s management.
Such management model is considered extraordinary and very inspiring for the development of women’s cooperatives in the Selangor region.
The Chairperson of Setia Budi Wanita (SBW), Dr. Sri Untari Bisowarno, M.AP., revealed that there is similar system implementation in Sabah, but not yet in Selangor.
“Therefore, we see the need to forge closer ties between the cooperative movement in East Java and our cooperative partners in Malaysia to learn from each other. ANGKASA highly commends the implementation of governance at SBW, and we were also invited to visit Selangor to expand the cooperative network between the two countries,” said Sri Untari.
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Also attending this international are Chairperson of the East Java Regional Cooperative Council (Dekopinwil Jatim), Slamet Sutanto, as well as representatives of the Jati Women’s Cooperative Center (Puskowan Jati), Isminarti, and the Perwirani management.
In his remarks, the Chairperson of Dekopinwil Jatim, Slamet Sutanto, expressed his commitment to strengthening the bonds of brotherhood within the East Java cooperative movement at the international level.
In time to come, Dekopinwil Jatim plans to bring other cooperatives under its auspices to Malaysia for reciprocal visits.
“This step can also be integrated through the East Java Provincial Government’s Trade Mission program or other collaborative schemes to strengthen institutions and protect cooperatives,” Slamet emphasized.
Meanwhile, Isminarti from Puskowan Jati added that in East Java, there are currently 39 cooperatives under the auspices of Puskowan Jati, of which 13 are highly active and performing well, including SBW, which is now a reference for international learning.
The Head of the ANGKASA Selangor delegation, Datuk Mansyur, conveyed the respect and warm greetings of the President of ANGKASA, who also serves as President of the ASEAN Cooperative Organization (ACO).
He stated that this visit was in response to the visit of the SBW management to Malaysia several months ago.
Interestingly, this synergy also extends to the higher education sector.
One member of the delegation, Prof. Nur (Datuk Mansyur’s wife), who has been actively communicating with Merdeka University (Unmer) Malang, was also present to welcome the group.
the Director of Postgraduate Studies at Unmer, Prof. Dr. Grahita Chandrarin, M.Sc., Ak., CA. led the Unmer team, along with by Prof. Dr. Sunardi, SE., Kp., and staff.
The presence of these academics is expected to strengthen the community service program of the professors, who are entrusted by the state to work directly in various scientific fields, one of which is strengthening cooperative management.
Inspection of Business Units and Services
Following the welcoming ceremony, the group was invited to directly inspect several facilities and business units managed by SBW.
The inspection began at the SBW Mart to examine the layout, logistics management, and products sold.
“Angkasa praised our layout and product completeness. They even suggested that the products created by SBW members immediately launch an official SBW brand. This is a great idea and has been included in our planning process,” added Sri Untari.
The group then moved on to inspect the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) exhibition space, which showcases the crafts and creative products of SBW members.
The visit concluded with a tour of the Savings and Loans Service room on the second floor and the meeting facilities on the third floor of the SBW Building.
ANGKASA expressed their deep impression of the operational scale and professionalism of the services provided by the Malang SBW Cooperative.
