Empowering Communities: Sari Hutagalung vision for cooperative growth

Sari Hutagalung leads the charge in modernising Indonesia’s cooperative network – the country’s oldest community-based business ecosystem and also the most impactful

With records dating back as far as the 1760s, the humble cooperative is a timeless enterprise that seeks to empower people to achieve the goal of mutual success. Effectively collective owners, members of a cooperative have equal say in any decision regardless of their level investment, making it a unique business proposition for community-minded people. Naturally, this democratic enterprise has flourished in Indonesia.

And speaking of cooperatives in Indonesia, a definite powerhouse in this field is Nasari Group, which currently operates over 50 branches across 28 provinces in the country. Co-chairman Sari Hutagalung currently sits at the helm of this thriving group.

Born in Bandung, Sari originally worked in fashion and modelling, where she learned perseverance and the value of hard work – values she would leverage to develop her potential and entrepreneurial capacity. She then moved into the cooperative sector and took on a key leadership position.

One of the most crucial turning points for Sari was her marriage to Frans Panggabean. Fuelled by their thirst for growth, they embarked on a journey of education to the United States. The power couple managed to attain remarkable growth – both personal and professional – as they completed their studies abroad while raising two children. And when they returned home, they came with a new perspective on life, ready to make waves in their home country.

Sari and Frans wasted no time and immediately channelled their combined expertise into building up Nasari Group. Under their joint leadership and exemplary teamwork, Nasari Group expanded its reach to include over 50 branch offices, serving a vast membership base of more than 126,000 individuals. Their vision transcended mere business growth; they aimed to create a cooperative deeply embedded with social responsibility.

One of Nasri Group’s hallmark initiatives created under Sari’s leadership was an extensive pandemic relief campaign in 2019. Amid the global crisis, Nasari Group launched a comprehensive effort to support its members, distributing one million masks, 10,000 sets of personal protective equipment, and essential food packages. This initiative underscored Sari’s commitment to the welfare of the cooperative’s members and highlighted the group’s capacity for large-scale, impactful social action.

Sari’s role, however, extends beyond administrative duties, as she is also a pivotal force in human resource development within the Nasari Group. She has been instrumental in organising training sessions focused on marketing, leadership, operations, and soft skills. These sessions are designed to empower the cooperative’s workforce of over 1,000 employees, ensuring they serve as professional, integrity-driven ambassadors for Nasari. Her efforts in this area reflect a deep understanding that the strength of any organisation lies in the quality and capability of its people.

Embracing modern technology, Sari has also spearheaded the digital transformation of Nasari Group. The launch of the Nasari Digital Super App – affectionately known as Nadi – in 2021 marked a significant milestone. This innovative platform has streamlined services, making them more accessible to members and the public alike, all while strengthening Nasari’s position at the forefront of digital innovation in the cooperative sector.

Despite her demanding schedule, Sari maintains a well-rounded lifestyle. She is an avid golfer and enjoys networking within various social circles. Her passion for discovery and travel sees her exploring the world as she balances her professional commitments with personal enrichment.

Sari Hutagalung’s journey from a teenage model to a prominent cooperative leader is an intriguing example of how diverse experiences can converge to create impactful leadership. Through her work at Nasari Group, she continues to influence and uplift communities across Indonesia, embodying the very essence of modern, socially conscious leadership.