The Community Service Team of the Faculty of Law of the Veteran National Development University Jakarta (UPNVJ) conducted a socialization entitled "Building Village Economy Through Cooperatives: From Us, By Us, For Us" in Babakankaret Village, Cianjur Regency, on November 30, 2025. Led by Rianda Dirkareshza, SH, MH, this activity involved administrators, supervisors, and members of the Merah Putih Cooperative to strengthen economic independence based on local potential.
In addition, the team checked the operation of the waste shredder, monitored the intercropping program, and planned a chicken farm to address stunting in five children in the village, as a sustainable effort to support food and environmental security.
The socialization emphasized the cooperative's principle as a community economic vehicle based on family principles, with legitimate decisions made through the members' meeting as the highest forum. Rianda explained the role of administrators and supervisors, who are directly elected by members, and the importance of transparent business reporting to avoid excessive scrutiny. She encouraged the exploration of village potential, such as local raw materials, for independent business units. The discussion also clarified the differences between Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) as internal village entities and external cooperatives that can collaborate, including pooling assets if inactive.
Regarding taxation, participants were reminded to fulfill their obligations while taking advantage of incentives from the Ministry of Finance to avoid sanctions. Rianda emphasized the responsibility of managers for losses, which could lead to asset seizure.
Currently, cooperatives in Cianjur are being directed to join the Red and White Cooperative network, supported by financing of up to IDR 500 million via the Village Bank. Confusion over varying instructions from institutions is being addressed by prioritizing the direction of the Regency Government and the Cooperatives Office.
As a follow-up to the previous program, a team including Ir. Fahruddin, ST, MT, inspected the waste shredder developed in collaboration with the Farmers Group and the Waste Bank. The inspection included the 4,000-watt power source, blade performance, capacity, and routine maintenance to ensure durability. The machine is now operating smoothly, supporting a circular economy through plastic recycling. Discussions with the operator emphasized reporting any issues for ongoing support.
The team also monitored positive intercropping programs, including the cultivation of cucumbers, tomatoes, mustard greens, carrots, kale, spinach, and long beans, to ensure household food security. Plans to integrate chicken farms near duck farms with agricultural and fisheries systems are underway to provide sufficient animal protein for stunted children. Areas with numerous hospitals and integrated health posts (Posyandu) are expected to strengthen these efforts.
Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, MA, Comm, Rector of UPNVJ, stated, "This activity reflects UPNVJ's vision as a National Defense Campus that supports government policies in community empowerment.
"We are committed to building character through direct service, thereby strengthening village resilience to economic and environmental challenges," he said.