Jakarta – The government has once again demonstrated its commitment to strengthening the foundations of the people’s economy through the strategic 1001 Night Market program, initiated by the Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment (Kemenko PM). This program is projected to become a new growth driver for MSMEs and an effort to achieve national economic equality, particularly through optimizing previously unproductive state assets.
Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Muhaimin Iskandar, emphasized that the 1001 Night Market is designed as an inclusive space for MSMEs and creative economy players. “We will optimize idle government facilities in strategic locations as business centers, exhibition spaces, and MSME festivals. The target is to reach 1,001 locations in various regions,” he said.
This measure addresses a classic problem faced by MSMEs: high land rental costs, which can reach Rp782,000 per square meter, resulting in a net income of only around Rp2 million per month for some MSMEs. Through a creative compound scheme managed by a third party, the 1001 Night Market provides low-cost business space so that MSMEs can grow more steadily.
Muhaimin stated that the program has received full support from the President. “President Prabowo Subianto is pushing for greater space for MSMEs as the main pillars of the national economy. This program is an important part of the economic equality agenda,” he said.
In addition to business space, the 1001 Night Market is also expected to provide a more affordable alternative to exhibitions. “The cost of participating in large exhibitions is often a barrier for MSMEs. With this program, they can showcase their products affordably,” Muhaimin added.
In the initial phase, development will focus on cities with assets of PT Pos Indonesia and PT KAI located in strategic areas. Subsequent phases will be adjusted based on asset data collection and regional investor interest so that benefits reach more areas.
This program also strengthens the implementation of Government Regulation No. Article 60 of Law No. 7 of 2021 requires ministries/institutions, state-owned enterprises (BUMN), regionally-owned enterprises (BUMD), and the private sector to provide a minimum of 30% of commercial space for micro and small businesses. The Minister of MSMEs, Maman Abdurrahman, noted that MSMEs currently only utilize public spaces at around 40%. “We will continue to coordinate with the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture to expand locations and increase occupancy,” he explained.
Through the 1001 Night Market, MSMEs gain affordable business space and broader market access, thereby accelerating economic equality across various regions.
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