<![CDATA[This study aims to examine the role of cooperatives in developing a culture of mutual cooperation as a strategy to popularize cooperative life in local communities. Gotong royong, as a socio-cultural value of Indonesian society, faces challenges due to modernization, individualism, and changes in economic orientation, which have resulted in a decline in collective community participation. Cooperatives, as economic institutions based on family and economic democracy, have strategic potential to revitalize these values in community socio-economic practices. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation with cooperative administrators, active members, and community leaders. Data validity was maintained through source triangulation. The results show that the culture of mutual cooperation in local communities is still developing, although it has experienced shifts in form and intensity. Cooperative life practices are running quite well in the economic aspect, but member social participation still needs to be strengthened. The cooperative administrators' strategy in internalizing the value of mutual cooperation is carried out through a family approach, management transparency, and participatory communication. The main supporting factors for the development of a culture of mutual cooperation include social trust and perceived economic benefits for members, while the inhibiting factors are low cooperative value literacy and members' limited time. This study concludes that cooperatives play a crucial role as a medium for strengthening the values of togetherness and social solidarity, and have a significant contribution to popularizing cooperative life in local communities.]]>
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