By: Dirandra Falguni *)
The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as a key driver of the national economy. Various programs and strategic policies are being launched to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs, expand access to finance, and accelerate digitalization in this sector.
This support comes through the synergy between the government, banking sector, academics, and civil society organizations. One concrete form of support for MSMEs comes from PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BRI), which has successfully channeled credit to MSMEs, reaching IDR 1.106 trillion.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, expressed appreciation for this achievement, seeing it as a strategic step in strengthening the MSME sector in Indonesia. He praised BRI for disbursing IDR 1.106 trillion in credit to MSMEs. This is an extraordinary accomplishment and demonstrates BRI’s significant efforts in strengthening the people’s economy.
In addition to credit disbursement, BRI is also actively involved in MSME empowerment programs. One of these initiatives includes the participation of 1,000 MSMEs in various business development programs, aligned with President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita to create quality jobs and support MSME growth.
To strengthen the inclusive financial ecosystem, BRI is expanding its network through AgenBRILink, now involving nearly 1 million agents and stalls across Indonesia. This initiative is expected to improve banking service access for micro-businesses in remote areas.
Support for MSMEs also comes from the education and business sectors. Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro, welcomed the collaboration between his ministry and the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) in supporting MSMEs. Satryo highlighted the importance of synergy between academics, the business community, and the government in strengthening the MSME sector.
APINDO is currently running the APINDO UMKM Merdeka (AUM) program, which serves as an umbrella for the APINDO UMKM Academy. This program aims to support the transformation of MSMEs through education and training based on industry needs.
Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro, stated that the AUM program is a collaboration between APINDO and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, playing an important role in MSME development. He emphasized that all parties must open broader opportunities for micro-entrepreneurs to become more competitive.
Chairman of the MSME Division of APINDO, Ronald Wala, added that APINDO is striving to build a pentahelix-based MSME ecosystem, involving entrepreneurs, the government, academics, society, and media.
Meanwhile, the General Chairperson of APINDO, Shinta W. Kamdani, stressed that higher education plays a significant role in MSME growth. According to her, education, research, and technology are integral parts of the economy. Therefore, this collaboration must continue to be strengthened.
Support for MSMEs is not only present in urban areas but is also being reinforced in rural areas. The Gema Desa organization is committed to helping rural MSMEs become more competitive. The General Chairperson of Gema Desa, Sobari, mentioned that one of their concerns for MSMEs is through organizing MSME bazaars featuring 66 MSME booths from 23 provinces, as part of the National Silaturahmi (Silatnas) for the 17th anniversary of Gema Desa at Manahan Stadium in Solo, Central Java.
Sobari hopes the government will be more active in providing economic guidance for rural MSMEs, particularly concerning capital and marketing. Many rural MSMEs still struggle with capital and market access, and it is hoped that the government can provide solutions so they no longer rely on informal financial institutions like illegal lenders.
This year’s Gema Desa Silatnas is expected to be opened by President Prabowo Subianto, accompanied by Hashim Djojohadikusumo as the Gema Desa Patron and Vice Minister of Village Affairs, Ahmad Riza Patria.
As information, in Central Java, the MSME sector is the backbone of the regional economy. According to the latest data, out of the total 4.2 million business units in Central Java, 90.48% are micro businesses, 8.50% are small businesses, 0.94% are medium businesses, and only 0.08% are large businesses.
Deputy Chairperson of the Central Java Provincial DPRD, Sarif Abdillah, highlighted the challenges faced by MSMEs, such as digitalization, access to technology, business mentoring, and limited capital. He mentioned that MSMEs have great potential but still face obstacles in digitalization and access to capital. All parties must support government policies to enhance MSMEs’ competitiveness.
Sarif also emphasized that synergy between the government, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and academics is essential to strengthen the economic resilience of the people of Central Java. With cooperation and innovation, we can achieve a strong, competitive, and sustainable national economy.
The government, together with various parties, continues to encourage the growth of MSMEs through various strategic programs. From credit disbursement and international exhibitions by BRI, to education and business collaborations by APINDO and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, and strengthening MSMEs in rural areas by Gema Desa, all these initiatives aim to accelerate MSME development to make a greater contribution to the national economy.
With increasingly broad support from various sectors, it is expected that Indonesian MSMEs will become more resilient, innovative, and capable of competing at a global level.
)* Contributor at Beritakapuas.com
