Cornelis Sounds the Alarm: Protect West Kalimantan’s Credit Union Movement
Cornelis expressed concern about the challenges CUs face. Doc. Sanggaunews.
🌍 DAYAK TODAY | PONTIANAK: Cornelis, S.H., M.H., a pivotal figure in the booming Credit Union (CU) movement in West Kalimantan, issued a stern warning to financial cooperatives.
“Make sure your business licenses are in order!”
Cornelis delivered a clear message: adhering to regulations is crucial for the sustainability of credit unions amid growing competition.
Cornelis expressed concern about the challenges CUs face
As the son of Djamin Indjah, a pioneer of the CU movement, Cornelis deeply understands the vital role these institutions play in empowering rural communities.
Read The Quiet Revolution: How Credit Unions (CU) Redefined Prosperity for the Dayak People
“My father had a vision. He knew this movement would take root and become a lifeline for people in the villages,” said the Member of Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR-RI) representing West Kalimantan.
Cornelis’ remarks reflect his concern over the challenges facing CUs in the region. He reminded them that as non-bank financial institutions, they now operate in a highly competitive landscape alongside traditional banks.
“Your assets are massive, your transactions significant. You are being watched. So make sure your paperwork is airtight,” he cautioned.
“As cooperatives, you have legal standing, but what about your subsidiary products? Make sure every aspect is properly licensed and protected under the law.”
Cornelis emphasized how he and his daughter, Karolin Margret Natasha, had fought to defend and strengthen the CU movement.
“I don’t need to tell you how hard Karol and I have worked behind the scenes to support you. But my message is this: we must keep improving. CU assets amount to trillions of rupiah, but remember, this wealth does not belong to individuals—it belongs to all members,” he asserted.
His warning came during a courtesy visit from Hertanto, S.Pd., Manager of CU Pancur Kasih, one of the largest CUs in West Kalimantan, at Cornelis' residence on January 5, 2023. Hertanto reported that the CU in Ngabang continues to thrive, a testament to the solid foundation laid by Cornelis during his two terms as Regent of Landak, a legacy now carried forward by Karolin.
During their discussion, Cornelis also highlighted a broader concern: the resistance to Dayak progress.
“There are those who don’t want to see the Dayak people advance. CU is on the front lines, liberating communities from economic stagnation. In essence, what CU does is real financial literacy in action,” he explained.
Cornelis defended CUs, emphasizing resilience
Cornelis also addressed recent turmoil within West Kalimantan’s CU sector, where several leading institutions had faced legal scrutiny.
“I won’t go into detail about how I defended the CU movement during this storm. But one thing is certain: we must emerge stronger. CU is not just about money—it’s about securing our community’s future,” said the former Governor of West Kalimantan (2008-2018).
On behalf of the CU sector, Hertanto expressed his deep appreciation for Cornelis’ unwavering support.
“As a senior leader and a figure who has done so much for the Dayak people, he is truly irreplaceable. He doesn’t seek the spotlight, but his impact is undeniable,” he said, underscoring Cornelis' indispensable role in shaping a robust CU movement in West Kalimantan.
-- Rangkaya Bada