The Yora Mekhande Jaya Cooperative in Jayapura was founded to strengthen farmer independence. By developing Papua copra, the cooperative goes beyond trading, it empowers local communities to achieve sustainable livelihoods.
Founded in 2023, the Yora Mekhande Jaya Cooperative is a local initiative in Jayapura. Its focus is not merely on buying and selling copra but on the comprehensive empowerment of farmers. The cooperative began with the Social Transformation School program, launched by the Econusa Foundation in 14 villages. This program identified a key issue: a stable market for the community’s agricultural products. While vanilla and betel nuts were initially commodities, Papua copra was chosen as the primary focus due to its greater potential.
Today, the Yora Mekhande Jaya Cooperative collects copra from nine villages in Sarmi Regency: Takar 1, Takar 2, Takar 3, Dabe, Arare, Liki Island, Armo Island, Korur Island, and Mengge Island. Its network also reaches Jayapura, Biak, Nabire, and Merauke.
According to Jamina, treasurer of the Yora Mekhande Jaya Cooperative, copra prices for farmers were very low.
“In the past, coconuts were sold for only Rp1,000–2,000 per piece. Yet, when brought to Jayapura, the price could reach Rp5,000–7,000. For copra, local collectors only bought it for Rp3,000–4,000 per kilogram. That’s why we decided to enter the Sarmi area to help, because its coconut potential is huge, she stated.” she explained.
The cooperative addresses this by picking up copra directly from villages.
“Our strategy is to weigh it in the village first. Once weighed, the copra is stored at a resident’s house. When the volume reaches 300–500 kilograms, we then rent a local pickup truck to transport it.” Jamina added.
The Yora Mekhande Jaya Cooperative also collaborates with churches in Biak.
“We work with the church to support the congregation. The copra they sell can also become part of their Sunday offering,” Jamina shared.
This collaboration gives Papua copra a more profound meaning: strengthening family economies and supporting community life.
Currently, the Yora Mekhande Jaya Cooperative collects about 10 tons of copra monthly from Sarmi. With Biak, Nabire, and Merauke included, the total reaches 50 tons. Since 2022, they have already shipped 37 tons.
“Our hope is that the community becomes independent. No more debt to kiosks or loan sharks, but fulfilling needs from their own copra,” said Jamina.
The Yora Mekhande Jaya Cooperative proves that Papua copra can become a path toward independence. Every sack of copra represents the hard work of farmers and a community striving for a sustainable future.
