“We need concrete collaboration with business players who have experienced the ups and downs in the business world. This experience is needed so that we can work together to grow Indonesia’s MSMEs,” he noted in a statement received here on Tuesday.
The minister further drew attention to three key issues the government is focusing on: accelerating licensing and certification, improving access to financing, and expanding market access, including for exports.
Regarding certifications such as halal certification, Abdurrahman affirmed that his ministry is pushing for faster processes so MSMEs can quickly obtain a legal status, which will boost their competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.
As for financing, in addition to support from the government’s formal schemes, Abdurrahman noted that he is also opening up opportunities for business associations, such as the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), to become direct partners of MSMEs.
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He also highlighted the significant opportunities offered by the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program for MSME entrepreneurs to enter the program’s supply chain.
According to the minister, the program can encourage MSMEs in various regions to participate as providers of quality food ingredients.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of opening export market access for MSMEs, without neglecting supply quality and sustainability.
Meanwhile, Apindo Chairperson Shinta Widjaja Kamdani underscored the need for collaboration among all parties, including business players and MSMEs, to address current challenges and problems.
Kamdani affirmed that her association runs the Apindo UMKM Merdeka program to empower MSME players and university students in 17 provinces.
“This is aimed at encouraging the role of MSMEs in the business world and global economic diplomacy, expanding export participation, and encouraging the integration of MSMEs in national supply chains through collaboration,” she remarked.
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Translator: Arnidhya Nur, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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