PEMBERDAYAAN KONSUMEN OLEH YAYASAN PERLINDUNGAN KONSUMEN MASYARAKAT SURAKARTA (YPKMS)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine consumer empowerment carried out by the Yayasan Perlindungan Konsumen Masyarakat Surakarta (YPKMS) in terms of Law Number 8 of 1999 Concerning Consumer Protection. The background of this study is that consumers with all the limitations that exist often buy products that are not as expected so that they suffer losses due to buying these products. The consumer loss is a result of the use of the product of the business actor, so the business actor must be responsible for the loss. Business actors who cause harm to consumers, make the public or consumers who are victims do not know where to complain if they suffer losses. The research methodology used is descriptive qualitative with the nature of sociological juridical research. To obtain data used literature study methods and field research including interviews and documentation. The data analysis technique is descriptive qualitative. The results of research and data analysis can be concluded that the Role of the Yayasan Perlindungan Konsumen Masyarakat Surakarta (YPKMS) in consumer empowerment includes: (1) Conducting Smart Consumer Counseling by referring to: Research before buying, Ensure Products marked with SNI Quality Assurance, Pay Attention to Labels and Expiration Period, and Buy According to Needs Not Wants. (2) Providing advice to consumers who need, i.e. giving advice to consumers who need assistance as a result of being harmed by business actors conducted by YPKMS verbally or in writing. (3) Assist consumers in fighting for their rights, including receiving consumer complaints or complaints. Obstacles experienced by the Yayasan Perlindungan Konsumen Masyarakat Surakarta (YPKMS), namely (1) Internal barriers (Lack of funds and a small number of members) and (2) external barriers (The Role of the Government that Is Not Proactive in Consumer Protection and the Attitudes of Business Actors Who Do Not Care and do not want to obey and comply with applicable legal provisions relating to goods or services so as not to harm consumers causing YPKMS to experience difficulties in protecting consumers. Keywords: Consumer, Consumer Protection, Consumer Empowerment