Kohippci Cooperative Assists the Existence of Cikapundung Market Traders

As a result, many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are ensnared by moneylenders. This has also been experienced by a number of traders at Cikapundung Market, Bandung City.

Luckily the traders formed the Cikapundung Market Traders Cooperative (Kohippci). This cooperative has been established since 1982 with 572 members.

The Cikapundung Market Traders Union directly initiated the establishment of Kohippci at the Cikapundung Flea Market, which was originally located in the former Banceuy prison area.

Then the cooperative established a more permanent market at Pasar Cikapundung Baru. The establishment of Kohippci has proven to be able to minimize members of the snares of moneylenders.

"In terms of capital, thank God, in the last few years, Kohippci did not depend on capital from third parties, but used its own capital," explained the Chairman of Kohippci, Aziz Soleh to Public Relations of Bandung City, Thursday, August 18, 2022.

According to him, Kohippci's role is important and strategic because it can become a business organization. Moreover, a solid membership base and high togetherness for fellow members.

"Alhamdulillah, so far it seems that the members of Kohippci are comfortable. The members are also diverse, they have a great sense of belonging. The responsibilities of members to the cooperative are well maintained," said Aziz.

Aziz said that Kohippci had handled the various needs of its members, from loan sharks and others.

"In addition to helping members in the aspect of capital or business development, Kohippci also always helps members in other aspects," he said.

"Such as the need for education costs, solving debt problems with other parties that are very burdensome for our members, such as loans, loan sharks, and others," he said.

The system is with a principal savings of IDR 100,000 each, mandatory savings of IDR 30,000 per person per month.

The funds are then used for fellow members of the Cooperative which is divided into 2 business groups, namely the electronic business group and the mechanical business group.

"The administrative requirements are only KTP and KK. Then fulfill the financial obligations of principal savings, mandatory savings, and other contributions, as well as in accordance with the rules of market cooperatives," he explained.

According to Aziz, although the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a number of markets being closed, the responsibilities of Kohippci members to cooperatives are very sensitive.

"Two years ago during the pandemic, the enthusiasm of members to pay these contributions was quite high, as evidenced by a fairly stable graph," he said.

A member of Kohippci, Yanyan, admitted that he was greatly helped by the existence of a cooperative with very affordable fees and making it easier for members.

"I also bought this kiosk in installments to the cooperative. I happened to be a member of the cooperative 30 years ago," he said.

"I think cooperatives are very helpful for us as traders," Yanyan added. (sya)**

Head of the Bandung City Communication and Information Technology

Yayan A. Brilyana