<![CDATA[Cooperatives were originally designed as a form of joint venture based on the principle of family and the spirit of mutual cooperation, thus playing a strategic role in efforts to empower the people's economy. However, in practice, the role of cooperatives is often not optimal and does not fully provide tangible benefits to its members. This article aims to comprehensively examine the characteristics of cooperatives and their relevance as an instrument for empowering the people's economy. This research uses a qualitative approach with a literature study method. Data were obtained from various library sources, such as scientific journals, reference books, and regulations related to cooperatives relevant to the research topic. All data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis to understand the concept, values, and practices of cooperatives in depth. The results of the study indicate that the characteristics of cooperatives, such as the principle of family, voluntary and open membership, democratic management, and fair distribution of Business Surplus, are the main strengths of cooperatives in increasing access to capital, strengthening the bargaining position of members, and encouraging increased economic capacity of the community. Nevertheless, cooperatives still face various challenges, including low member participation, weak governance, and limited human resources. Therefore, sustainable efforts are needed to strengthen the characteristics of cooperatives through increased management capacity, member education, and supportive government policies, without losing the cooperative's identity as a people's economic movement.]]>
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