By: Karenina Lovita
The government continues to strive for economic equality by strengthening the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector as the main foundation for national economic growth. Various strategies have been implemented, ranging from facilitating access to capital, improving Human Resources (HR) quality, to utilizing digital technology. All these measures are expected to accelerate the growth of MSMEs and contribute significantly to achieving the Indonesia Emas 2045 target.
The importance of synergy between the government, guarantee institutions, and business communities is crucial in creating a more inclusive and sustainable business ecosystem.
The government recognizes that enhancing HR capacity is essential to advancing MSMEs. Business owners need skills in managing finances and business operations professionally to survive and grow in an increasingly dynamic economic competition.
Deputy Assistant for Financing at the Ministry of Cooperatives, Niken Wulandari, emphasized that digitalization could be the solution to optimizing MSMEs’ financial management. The use of technology enables more organized and transparent cash flow recording, making business management more effective. Furthermore, competency improvement through various training programs is seen as a way to accelerate MSMEs’ transition to a larger scale.
Beyond financial aspects, the mentality and resilience of business owners are also critical in the economic transformation process. Senior Business Development Officer at the Ministry of MSMEs, Sabilil Hakimi Abizuar, believes that MSMEs need a more strategic mindset in developing their businesses. Rather than just pursuing revenue, the focus should also be on generating greater profits to support business sustainability.
Through the Sapa UMKM program, the government supports business owners to be more confident in accessing financing from financial institutions.
In addition to strengthening HR, the government is also partnering with various guarantee institutions to ensure smooth access to capital for MSMEs. PT Jamkrindo, one of the institutions playing a role in this sector, remains committed to providing broader credit guarantee services for MSMEs, cooperatives, and other business sectors.
By the end of 2024, Jamkrindo had achieved a guarantee realization of IDR 300 trillion, with more than IDR 200 trillion in remaining guarantee capacity. This commitment aligns with the government’s efforts to create a more inclusive financial ecosystem and drive sustainable MSME growth.
Chairperson of the Indonesian Women’s Entrepreneurs Cooperative Federation (INKOWAPI), Ir. Sharmila Yahya, also highlighted the importance of the role of guarantee institutions in supporting price stability and reducing inflation. By establishing Sahabat Usaha Rakyat (Sahara) groups in each village, INKOWAPI has channeled capital in the form of merchandise for MSMEs to ensure the continuity of their businesses.
Support from guarantee institutions such as Jamkrindo is a crucial factor in maintaining price stability in the market. Through this mechanism, MSMEs have more flexible access to capital without being burdened by excessive risks, allowing them to focus on developing their businesses.
Besides financial support, MSME strengthening also takes place through training programs and product curation aimed at improving product quality and expanding market opportunities. Former Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno stated that MSME training and product curation play a key role in opening economic opportunities and creating jobs.
The launch of the UMKM Start-Up program in Bogor, West Java, is one of the concrete steps to support the transformation of MSMEs into more professional and competitive entities. In this event, participants received direct evaluations from curators on various aspects of their products, such as packaging, branding, taste, color, shape, and legality. This feedback becomes a basis for MSMEs to improve their product quality and services.
Furthermore, the program also provides guidance on finding and practicing sustainable business opportunities. With structured mentoring, MSME owners can build a stronger sense of identity, increase motivation as entrepreneurs, and adapt to digital business trends to expand their market reach both nationally and globally.
Collaboration between the government, financial institutions, and business communities is a strategic step in driving economic equality. With integrated support, MSMEs can grow faster and create more jobs for society.
Optimizing the guarantee industry not only serves as a short-term solution to economic challenges but also as a fundamental strategy to ensure more inclusive and sustainable growth. The government continues to push policies that support MSMEs so they can be more competitive in both domestic and international markets.
The concrete steps that have been implemented so far form an important foundation in realizing the grand vision of Indonesia Emas 2045. With broader financing support, enhanced HR skills, and the use of digital technology, the target of making Indonesia a strong and equitable economy is increasingly within reach.
)* The author is a contributor to the Jendela Baca Institute
