By: Deka Prawira)*
Direct cash assistance (BLT) specifically for MSMEs has begun to be distributed by the government. Small and medium businesses welcome this social assistance, so it is hoped that it can maintain the continuity of their business and life.
What are the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic? In addition to many who are sick, this bad situation also makes entrepreneurs shaken, especially small and medium businesses. MSME business owners feel the worst consequences because people’s purchasing power decreases, while they have no other source of income, so they have to be patchy to survive during the pandemic.
The government understands that MSME businesses also need help. They are entitled to direct cash assistance of 1.2 million rupiah. President Jokowi explained that BLT will be distributed starting on Friday, July 30, 2021. He even provided assistance to several traders in the Merdeka Palace yard.
President Jokowi added that the total given by the government for assistance to MSMEs was 15.3 trillion rupiah, and it would be distributed to 12.8 micro, small and medium enterprises. This assistance is expected to stimulate the economy, and is provided via state-owned banks and can be checked online.
Why is there help to boost the economy? The reason is because during the pandemic, people’s purchasing power decreased drastically, because they prioritized buying stocks of basic needs. There are also those who actually reduce spending because their salaries are cut by the company, so they really save money.
Even though this is dangerous because if people’s purchasing power decreases, then the wheels of the economy will run slowly. This will have a negative effect on the state’s financial condition and can lead to a volume 2 economic crisis, as in 1998.
If there is cash assistance from the government, it is hoped that the money will be spent instead of saving it all. Precisely by shopping will save the country’s economy, because the increased purchasing power will quickly roll the wheels of the economy. Therefore, MSME business owners are expected to go shopping directly with the 1.2 million money given by the government.
Assistance from the government for MSMEs is very valuable because they are very affected by the pandemic. When people’s purchasing power decreases, the shop is automatically deserted. Yet this is their only job, and there is no other alternative. Even if you open another business, it can’t be automatically crowded because trading certainly requires a process, and there are risks too.
MSME businessmen are grateful that when 1.2 million is deposited into their account, they will be able to continue living without having to go into debt. They can use it to buy groceries and other necessities. This money can also be used to pay water bills, tuition fees, etc. So they can survive even in the midst of a pandemic.
Why do MSME business owners get help from the government? Don’t be cynical first, because in fact not all traders are rich. In fact, MSME businessmen are small-scale businesses, so they really need help from the government. During the pandemic, all sectors collapsed, including small traders.
MSME businessmen deserve assistance from the government because they are the backbone of the country’s economy. The reason is because 90% of trade is carried out by small and medium enterprises. So it is hoped that when MSMEs are in good health, it will have a positive impact on the state’s financial condition.
Aid of 1.2 million rupiah for MSME businessmen has begun to be distributed. They can check it via the website and withdraw it at a state-owned bank. This BLT is expected to be able to save MSMEs, so they don’t fall into the abyss of destruction.
)* The author is a contributor to the Press Circle and Cikini Students
