By: Nurul Janida )*
The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector as a strategic step to encourage national economic equality. As one of the main pillars of the economy, MSMEs have contributed significantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment absorption, becoming a strong driving force of the economy amidst various challenges.
Strengthening MSMEs is a priority in various government programs, ranging from training, mentoring, to more inclusive access to capital. This step is expected to create a conducive business ecosystem, so that MSME actors can develop more optimally. The government also encourages the digitalization of MSMEs to increase competitiveness in the era of a technology-based economy.
Deputy Minister of Finance (Wamenkeu), Anggito Abimanyu in a discussion with the Yogyakarta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) said that MSMEs have a vital role as an economic support. He emphasized the importance of fresh ideas from business actors to spark innovation and escalation of MSME businesses. This kind of discussion is an important space to hear aspirations directly from the grassroots.
In the context of the region, Yogyakarta is one of the potential areas for strengthening MSMEs. Infrastructure support, local market potential, and local cultural wisdom are major capital for advancing MSMEs in this region. The government hopes that discussions with KADIN will produce real steps in accelerating the growth of local MSMEs.
The Deputy Minister of Finance also highlighted the importance of continued support from various parties, including local governments, financial institutions, and the business community, to create an ecosystem that supports the growth of MSMEs. This synergy is needed so that micro and small business actors can increase production capacity, expand marketing networks, and adopt relevant technology in their operations. The government encourages MSMEs in Yogyakarta to be more active in utilizing digital platforms to expand the reach of their products to the global market.
In addition, there is a need for innovation based on local wisdom as the main attraction of Yogyakarta MSMEs. Products that promote regional culture and traditions are considered to have high added value in the market. By integrating creativity and technology, Yogyakarta MSMEs are expected to be able to compete not only at the national level, but also internationally, while promoting the uniqueness of Indonesian culture to the world.
Meanwhile, the Bali Region, known as an international tourist destination, also has great potential in the MSME sector. With more than 60,000 MSME actors, Bali Province has a great opportunity to diversify its sources of economic income. Dependence on the tourism sector can be balanced with the development of MSMEs, so that the regional economy becomes more sustainable.
Deputy Chairman of the DPR RI Budget Committee Wihadi Wiyanto stated that support for Bali’s MSMEs could be a solution to economic equality. Through targeted fund allocation, business actors can increase the competitiveness of local products to penetrate the global market. That way, the MSME sector in Bali is not only able to strengthen the local economy, but also create a significant domino effect.
Strengthening MSMEs in Bali is also linked to the creative economy sector. Many local business actors develop craft, fashion, and culinary products by utilizing local culture as the main selling point. This step is expected to strengthen Bali’s image as a center for the creative economy.
Support for MSMEs also involves the role of the private sector through partnership programs. Many large companies collaborate with MSMEs to create sustainable supply chains. This collaboration provides opportunities for MSMEs to learn and develop in a larger business ecosystem.
The government also continues to seek collaboration with business actors to advance MSMEs. This synergistic approach includes providing tax incentives, credit interest subsidies, and providing entrepreneurship training that is oriented towards market needs. This support provides confidence to MSME actors to expand.
In addition, the digitalization program is one of the key strategies in developing MSMEs. The government encourages MSMEs to utilize e-commerce platforms as a marketing tool. With digitalization, MSMEs can reach a wider market, both domestically and internationally, so that the potential of local products is better known to the world.
In addition, sustainability is a focus in the development of MSMEs. The government encourages the implementation of green economic principles by utilizing local and environmentally friendly raw materials. This approach not only preserves nature, but also increases the attractiveness of products in international markets that are increasingly concerned about environmental issues.
Through integrated efforts, strengthening MSMEs is not only a solution to encourage economic equality, but also a form of economic sovereignty. Resilient MSMEs reflect the nation’s economic independence, so that Indonesia is able to face global challenges with more confidence.
With the right steps, it is hoped that MSMEs will be able to balance the national economy, encourage economic equality, and create opportunities for all levels of society. The government is optimistic that the MSME sector will continue to be a solid backbone in building an inclusive and sustainable future for the Indonesian economy.
)* The author is a Malang student living in Jakarta