Coopetition, both benefit
Reporter: Cipta Wahyana | Editor: Tri Adi
The audience must understand that PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAPI) is competing with PT Matahari Department Store Tbk (LPPF) and PT Ramayana Lestari Sentosa Tbk (RALS). The three of them are retail companies that sell various consumer goods, from fashion to food. Uniquely, MAPI has just announced that it will collaborate with Matahari and Ramayana at the same time.
Aha! Apparently this is what is called coopetition (coopetition). As a form of business alliance, coopetition is unique because cooperation is actually built by several competing corporations. Of course, this is not an arbitrary strategy. Through coopetition with competitors, instead of killing each other, business people alike want to benefit.
Yes, Mitra Adiperkasa wants to extract the turnover from the consumer segment which has been worked on by its two potential partners. On the other hand, Matahari and Ramayana want to enjoy a share of the sales of MAPI’s myriad of quality brands.
The story above takes place in the business world. What about the world of politics? Could it be that two competing camps build a coopetition after the election is over?
Envisioning a formal alliance akin to a business coopetition is, it seems, difficult. But, if we talk about the mindset, it doesn’t seem impossible to materialize.
Normally, after the election, the losing party will become the opposition to the victorious government. Unfortunately, the attitude of this opposition group tends to oppose all programs launched by the government. The politics of revenge are very strong. Contestation during the election seems never finished.
With the logic of coopetition, the opposition should only attack programs which, substantially, will not benefit or even harm society. Meanwhile, if the government program is a program that makes the people prosperous, they will not hesitate to support it.
With this style, the opposition will appear to be a cool opposition in the eyes of the public. As a result, they will captivate the hearts of more and more people. Their market segment will be enlarged. And, this is a very good capital for future elections. The government also benefits because their good programs will run smoothly.
However, this political coopetition will only occur if politicians view politics and power as mere tools for the welfare of the people, not goals. ♦
Cipta Wahyana
