By: Gavin Asadit)*
Amidst the challenges of global economic uncertainty, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are optimistic that President Prabowo Subianto’s government is believed to be able to provide a positive impact through policies that favor the MSME sector. The policies implemented in the next five years are able to strengthen MSMEs, encourage innovation, increase competitiveness, and open wider access to capital, technology, and markets.
Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Indigenous Entrepreneurs (HIPPI) DKI Jakarta, Uchy Hardiman said that his party is committed and optimistic that the government of President Prabowo Subianto can advance MSMEs as seen from the composition of the Red and White cabinet which is very appropriate. In addition, his party is optimistic that President Prabowo will also pay full attention to indigenous entrepreneurs, most of whom are MSME actors.
MSMEs play an important role in the structure of the Indonesian economy. Based on data from the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, the MSME sector contributes more than 60% to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides jobs for more than 97% of the workforce in Indonesia. In various regions, MSMEs are the main drivers of the local economy that are able to improve the standard of living of the surrounding community. Therefore, the government has a big responsibility to create pro-MSME policies so that this sector continues to grow and can face global competition.
President Prabowo remains committed to developing the MSME sector as a top priority for his administration. He recognizes that strong government support is needed for MSMEs to become a more resilient sector and be able to contribute maximally to national economic growth.
Minister of SMEs Maman Abdurrahman said a number of targets from President Prabowo Subianto to develop SMEs in Indonesia, one of which is to bring SMEs in the country to move up a class, in order to encourage Indonesia’s economic growth. According to him, the SME sector is also very important as a pillar of the country’s economy so that his party is committed to facilitating access to SME capital.
One of the most anticipated aspects by MSMEs is easy access to capital. Many MSMEs have difficulty obtaining business capital with affordable interest rates, especially due to the strict requirements of formal financial institutions. They hope that the Prabowo government will provide concrete solutions to expand access to capital, for example through the people’s business credit (KUR) program with low interest rates, or other initiatives that allow MSMEs to grow without being burdened with large debts.
Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary General (Wasekjen) of the Gerindra Party DPP, Sudaryono, said that MSMEs are one of the pillars of the people’s economy that are important in providing jobs and reducing unemployment while also being able to overcome poverty and improve the national economy.
On the other hand, Innovation is the key for MSMEs to survive in the midst of tight competition. MSME actors are optimistic that the Prabowo government can pay special attention to this sector by providing incentives for MSMEs that develop new and creative products. These incentives can be in the form of tax breaks or technical assistance to improve product quality. With these incentives, MSMEs will be more motivated to innovate, which can ultimately increase the competitiveness of local products in the international market.
Training and mentoring programs are also a big hope for MSMEs. Mentoring from the government, both in the form of business management training and technical skills development, will have a positive impact on the sustainability of their businesses. This support is very much needed, especially for micro-entrepreneurs who often do not have adequate knowledge and skills in managing a business.
The optimism of MSMEs towards President Prabowo’s government is not without reason. Several programs and plans that have been submitted show a commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. However, MSMEs also hope that these hopes can be realized in the form of concrete policies that can be felt immediately.
The government is expected to be responsive and proactive in responding to the needs of MSMEs. For example, by establishing a one-stop service center specifically for MSMEs that provides various services ranging from business consultation, access to financing, to providing market information. These steps will provide significant support for MSMEs in facing existing challenges.
In President Prabowo’s administration, MSMEs are optimistic about getting more intensive support and attention. Through pro-MSME policies, it is hoped that MSMEs in Indonesia can grow stronger, more innovative, and more competitive. Some of the expected policies include easy access to capital, digitalization, support for innovation, bureaucratic reform, and infrastructure development.
If these policies can be implemented properly, it is not impossible that MSMEs will be able to play a bigger role in driving national economic growth and improving people’s welfare. With high optimism, MSME actors are ready to grow and develop together with President Prabowo’s government, bringing new hope for a more inclusive and sustainable Indonesian economy.
)* Observer of Social and Community Issues
