By: Alfisyah Dianasari )*
The government continues to improve the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem so that it can continue to survive during the Covid-19 pandemic . The sustainability of MSMEs is expected to continue to contribute to the national economy while absorbing productive workers.
The Covid-19 pandemic makes us have to adapt to situations that can’t be said to be good, because the presence of a small virus makes big changes in life. Especially in the economic sector, because there is a hit because the global market is also being sluggish. Both big and small traders are almost gasping for air because they have to adapt to less stable conditions.
MSMEs were the ones who had been hit hard at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic because people’s purchasing power had dropped drastically. They strive to survive , by entering the online market , providing delivery services, and providing the best service . So that old customers will remain loyal and shop in sufficient quantities.
But now MSMEs are starting to rise and stay afloat, they don’t give up because deciding to close is a ridiculous act. MSME Minister Teten Masduki stated that there was improvement in the MSME sector in the second quarter of 2021. This positive progress was achieved thanks to government policies during the pandemic.
Indeed, the government is very concerned to the MSMEs because they are the backbone of trade in Indonesia, and 90% of businesses in this country are those that have small and medium scale. So it is natural that the government prioritizes traders. This is not favoritism, but a surefire step to save the country’s financial condition.
The government gave special BLT for MSME entrepreneurs worth 2.4 million rupiah at the beginning of the pandemic and 1.2 million rupiah in 2021. BLT was given as a stimulus so that small and medium businesses would not go out of business. If this condition occurs, it will be dangerous, because a country with a strong economy is one that has many entrepreneurs . While the fact is, in Indonesia there are only 2% of Indonesian citizens who become entrepreneurs, and ideally at least 5%.
De ngan BLT that the SME entrepreneurs can use for additional capital, so they can wholesale and opened the shop back. President Jokowi also advised to use the money for business, not for something consumptive. The money must be used as capital so that it can be rotated and generate multiple profits.
In addition to BLT, the government has also made new rules in the form of cooperation with MSMEs with various agencies. So if there is procurement at the agency, MSMEs will be prioritized. They will automatically get new clients and orders from the Service are quite nominal, so the profits are also sufficient for their daily needs.
The government also helps through the Department of Cooperatives and SMEs and the Department of Manpower, by providing seminars and training. So that small and medium entrepreneurs get new skills to increase their income. If business A is quiet then they can swerve to business B.
The Department also helps with marketing problems by teaching digital marketing techniques , so that MSMEs will not be technologically stuttering, but are proficient in operating the internet and marketing their various products there. By exploring social media and websites, they can get potential buyers. Not only from Indonesia but also from all over the world.
MSME entrepreneurs continue to try to survive in the midst of a pandemic and they don’t want to just give up, because doing business is their only livelihood. The government helps small and medium sized entrepreneurs not to go bankrupt with various programs. They can survive and continue their business, and experience an increase in profits during the Covid-19 pandemic .
)* The author is a citizen who lives in Depok
