BLITAR – Ten Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (KKMP) in Blitar City have not started operations yet, even though workers have completed all building construction. Local officials said the cooperatives still need several essential facilities before they can serve residents.
The delayed launch affects nearly half of the 21 KKMP units established across the city. At present, only 11 cooperatives actively provide services to the community.
Gembong Kurniawan, Acting Head of Cooperative Empowerment at the Blitar City Cooperative, SME, and Labor Office, confirmed that every KKMP building is ready. However, several units still lack equipment needed for daily operations.
“About 10 KKMP units have not started operating. Construction is complete, but they still need supporting facilities,” Kurniawan said.
He explained that the city is waiting for display shelves to showcase products. The cooperatives also need cashier equipment, computers, and digital transaction systems.
The agency must also prepare workers to operate the new systems. Staff members require training before they can handle financial transactions and manage cooperative activities efficiently.
Another major requirement involves transportation. Several cooperatives still need vehicles to move and distribute goods. Officials consider those vehicles important because they support product delivery and supply management.
The situation differs from the 11 KKMP units that already operate across Blitar City. Those cooperatives have received all required facilities and equipment.
“The 11 operational units already have complete support facilities. They have display shelves, equipment, and transportation vehicles,” Kurniawan added.
Despite the delay, officials emphasized that the issue only involves facility readiness. The city has not encountered problems related to construction, permits, or organizational management.
Authorities plan to expand operations gradually as equipment arrives and preparations progress. Agrinas, an organization assigned by Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs, will assist the operational process and provide field support.
According to Kurniawan, several additional KKMP units could begin serving residents as early as next week. The city expects more cooperatives to open in stages after they receive the remaining equipment.
The Merah Putih Village Cooperative program aims to strengthen local economic activity and improve access to community-based food services. Officials remain optimistic that the number of active cooperatives will continue to increase over the coming weeks.
If the current preparations proceed as scheduled, Blitar City could see more KKMP units launch before July. That expansion would allow more residents to access cooperative services while supporting local economic growth.