By: Citra Kurnia Khudori*
The government continues to strengthen its strategy to encourage the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as a vital pillar driving the national economy. The MSME sector has proven to be the backbone of the economy, employing more than 97 percent of the workforce and contributing more than 60 percent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
With such significant potential, MSME development is a priority on the government’s agenda to accelerate economic recovery and expand employment opportunities. One concrete step the government is taking to assist MSMEs is to facilitate access to financing.
Limited capital remains a major obstacle for small business owners, especially in areas far from urban centers and with limited access to financial institutions. The government believes this obstacle must be addressed through affirmative policies so that MSMEs can grow, be competitive, and sustainably.
Recently, the Financial Services Authority (OJK) officially issued OJK Regulation (POJK) Number 19 of 2025 concerning Ease of Access to Financing for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (POJK UMKM). This regulation is expected to expand access to financing while strengthening the competitiveness of MSMEs in the digital economy era.
OJK Chief Executive for Banking Supervision, Dian Ediana Rae, emphasized that the new regulation aligns with the government’s priority agenda in Asta Cita, namely new job creation, economic equality, and poverty alleviation.
According to Dian, this regulation not only opens access to financing but also encourages financial institutions to innovate. Through this POJK, banks and non-bank financial institutions have the opportunity to offer more innovative financing products tailored to the needs of MSMEs.
The OJK Regulation on MSMEs regulates a number of facilities, such as streamlined requirements and assessments of MSME eligibility, financing schemes tailored to business characteristics, including intellectual property guarantees, accelerated business processes through Alternative Credit Ratings (PKA), the determination of reasonable financing costs, and support for other facilitating initiatives from authorities and the government.
Furthermore, this new regulation also encourages the digitalization of financial services. The use of fintech and digital platforms is seen as an effective solution for reaching MSMEs in areas lacking adequate banking access. With data integration and an alternative credit rating system, MSMEs are expected to gain faster and more affordable access to financing.
Every bank and non-bank financial institution (LKNB) is required to report the realization of MSME financing disbursement to the OJK. This is a crucial step to ensure transparent monitoring of MSME credit growth by the government and the public.
Dian added that the OJK Regulation on MSMEs follows up on the mandate of Law Number 4 of 2023 concerning the Development and Strengthening of the Financial Sector (P2SK Law). He also hopes that this new regulation will open up opportunities for digital financing innovation with sound governance, making the POJK MSME a key government instrument for creating a more inclusive and sustainable MSME financing ecosystem.
Beyond financing, the government is also encouraging MSMEs to create new jobs. An example is the Golden Village Program, which was officially launched at the Lido Lake Resort by MNC Hotel, Cigombong, Bogor Regency, on September 27, 2025.
The Golden Village Program targets micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in collaboration with the Indonesia Setara Foundation (YIS) and the Inotek Foundation. This activity focuses on increasing the capacity of MSMEs through several training programs, including practical training on hamper and parcel packaging, and the production of natural animal feed. The training is designed to provide practical tools so MSMEs can improve product quality, reduce production costs, and expand their market.
Safe and attractive product packaging can attract consumers, increasing market competitiveness, while economically and nutritiously designed natural animal feed can boost the productivity of smallholder livestock. This way, MSMEs in the agribusiness and culinary sectors have greater opportunities for growth.
Former Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy and founder of YIS, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, attended the event, accompanied by MNC Group CEO Angela Tanoesoedibjo. The presence of these officials and important figures demonstrated that cross-sector collaboration is a key factor in strengthening MSMEs.
During a dialogue with MSMEs, Sandiaga emphasized the importance of strategic business locations, especially in the Lido Creative Economy area. He also encouraged MSMEs to upgrade by improving product quality and utilizing social media for promotion to increase revenue and create new jobs.
Meanwhile, Angela Tanoesoedibjo shared her view that branding andDigital promotion is crucial for elevating MSMEs. Digital promotion is key because it offers a much broader reach. MSMEs must leverage digital platforms to introduce their products to a wider market.
With the support of new regulations, training, and cross-sector collaboration, the government aims to enable MSMEs to become the driving force behind new job creation and equitable economic growth throughout Indonesia.
)* The author is a socio-economic observer
