FORWAKA North Sumatra Plans Cooperatives, Legal Aid and Mutual Assistance Bodies

MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Forum for Journalists and Families (FORWAKA) of North Sumatra has announced plans to establish a cooperative, a legal aid organization (LBH), and a mutual assistance association (STM). The three institutions are intended to strengthen the organization while providing tangible benefits for all members and their families.

The announcement was made by FORWAKA North Sumatra Chairman Irfandi during a meeting with members at Mie Ayam Mas Panjang on Jalan Perhubungan Udara, Suka Damai Subdistrict, Medan Polonia District, Medan, North Sumatra.

During the meeting, Irfandi said the establishment of the cooperative, LBH, and STM is part of the organization's programs, which will be developed gradually with the involvement of all members. Although the three institutions will have different functions, they share a common objective: strengthening economic independence, legal protection, and family ties within FORWAKA North Sumatra.

According to Irfandi, FORWAKA North Sumatra should not merely serve as a place where members meet and carry out journalistic activities. The organization must also develop programs that provide direct benefits to members, both economically and legally as well as socially.

The plan is also part of FORWAKA North Sumatra's efforts to build a more united and independent organization. The management aims to ensure that every program established by the organization responds to members' needs and is based on the principle of mutual cooperation.

Cooperative to Support Economic Independence

As part of the initiative, FORWAKA North Sumatra has placed the cooperative among its programs aimed at strengthening the economic well-being of its members.

The cooperative is expected to serve as a joint platform through which members can develop economic activities. The management will prepare a professional and transparent administrative system in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Through the establishment of the cooperative, FORWAKA North Sumatra seeks to promote the principle of mutual support in the economic sector. Members will be able to participate in developing the cooperative through mechanisms that are mutually agreed upon.

Irfandi stressed that the cooperative must not become an institution that benefits only certain individuals. From the outset, the management will ensure that its administration is oriented toward the interests of all members.

"We initiated the cooperative, LBH and STM in the interests of all FORWAKA North Sumatra members. We want this organization to be more than just a place for meetings and journalistic activities. We also want it to provide tangible benefits for members and their families," Irfandi said.

He views the cooperative as a potential foundation for the organization's economic independence. Therefore, the management must first prepare its organizational structure, internal regulations, administrative mechanisms and a clear accountability system before the cooperative can fully commence its activities.

Transparency will also play a central role in the management of the cooperative. The board wants to ensure that all members are informed about the direction of the programs and administrative mechanisms, thereby giving them the opportunity to monitor the organization's operations.

LBH to Strengthen Legal Protection

In addition to the cooperative, FORWAKA North Sumatra has announced plans to establish a legal aid organization, or LBH. The institution is expected to assist members who require legal advice or support.

The establishment of an LBH is considered important because FORWAKA North Sumatra members are engaged in journalistic activities that may involve various legal issues. By providing an internal legal assistance center, members are expected to have better access to legal information, consultation and assistance when facing legal matters.

The LBH is also expected to improve members' legal awareness, enabling journalists to carry out their professional duties with a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities.

However, the establishment of the LBH will also be carried out through clearly defined stages. The management will discuss and determine its organizational structure, service procedures, internal regulations and legal requirements in accordance with applicable provisions.

Irfandi emphasized that all programs must be supported by accountable and transparent management. He does not want the announcement of the three institutions to remain merely a plan without a mature administrative concept.

"We have to build everything openly and professionally. Both financial matters and programs must be managed transparently so that problems do not arise later. Most importantly, all members must feel responsible and participate in monitoring the implementation of these programs," he stressed.

According to Irfandi, openness is an important foundation for maintaining members' trust. Therefore, every step in establishing the cooperative, LBH and STM will be discussed collectively so members understand the direction and objectives of each institution.

STM to Promote Solidarity Among Members

The third institution in FORWAKA North Sumatra's initiative is the mutual assistance association, known as Serikat Tolong Menolong (STM). Unlike the cooperative and LBH, the STM will focus on social matters and strengthening family ties among members.

FORWAKA North Sumatra plans to establish the STM as a platform to strengthen care and solidarity among members. In particular, the institution is expected to provide assistance when members or their families experience misfortune or the loss of a family member.

The existence of the STM is expected to further strengthen family relationships among FORWAKA North Sumatra members. The principle of mutual assistance will serve as the foundation for the development of this social institution.

Irfandi believes that the strength of an organization does not lie solely in its leadership structure. Solidarity and mutual care among members are also crucial factors in ensuring an organization's long-term development and sustainability.

He therefore called on all FORWAKA North Sumatra members to submit suggestions and actively participate in the process of establishing the cooperative, LBH and STM. In his view, the programs can only be implemented successfully if all members identify with them and take responsibility for their existence.

"We want to develop FORWAKA into an even more united and independent organization that cares for its members. If we stand together and support one another, hopefully the cooperative, LBH and STM can continue to develop and provide long-term benefits," Irfandi said.

The announcement marks the first step for FORWAKA North Sumatra in developing the concepts and establishment plans for the three institutions. The management will subsequently work on various requirements, ranging from organizational structures and internal regulations to administrative mechanisms and legal requirements.

FORWAKA North Sumatra is also opening opportunities for members to participate in every stage of the process. The management hopes that members' suggestions will contribute to the development of concepts that address the organization's actual needs.

Through the planned establishment of the cooperative, LBH and STM, FORWAKA North Sumatra is seeking to expand the organization's role beyond journalistic activities. The three institutions are expected to strengthen economic independence, improve access to legal protection, and preserve social solidarity among members and throughout the FORWAKA family.

The management aims to carry out the entire process in a planned, transparent and professional manner. With the support and participation of its members, FORWAKA North Sumatra hopes the cooperative, LBH and STM will develop into effective long-term organizational programs. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala