Government Strategies to Support Cooperatives During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Strengthening Economic Resilience in South Sumatra

Abstract

Outbreaks of pandemic diseases such as COVID-19 are classified as non-military, non-physical threats that significantly affect public safety and national economic stability. In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the cooperative sector in Indonesia, especially in terms of financial operations and sustainability. This study focuses on South Sumatra as the locus of analysis, applying Lykke's strategy theory, which comprises three elements: Ends (goals), Ways (strategic actions), and Means (resources used). Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this research examines how government strategies were implemented in South Sumatra to support cooperatives during the pandemic. The findings indicate that the government, through regional offices and cooperative institutions, successfully implemented policy responses such as financial aid, regulatory flexibility, and digitalization initiatives. These efforts were relatively balanced in their objectives, execution, and resource utilization, effectively minimizing risk while maintaining cooperative operations. As a result, these strategies played a significant role in supporting the economic resilience of the cooperative sector in South Sumatra during the COVID-19 crisis.