VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have a role and strategy in building the nation's economy. In addition, they also play a role in economic growth and employment. This was said by the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Maruf Amin, at the peak of the commemoration of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, Thursday, August 12. He also conveyed, during the pandemic which has lasted for almost 1.5 years, MSME players are increasingly integrated in all aspects of the national economy. The pandemic that has hit most of their businesses, in fact still has a positive impact, one of which is accelerating the digitization of MSMEs. In this era of disruption, digitalization is increasingly relevant and strategic for MSMEs to survive and play a role as the main driver of national economic recovery. Therefore, the Vice President hopes that MSMEs, as the frontline of economic revival, can achieve success in achieving economic growth and achieving social welfare in a fair and equitable manner.

However, Ma'ruf Amin also advised that the digitization must be balanced with two things. First, increasing the capacity of human resources for MSME business actors. Second, support for market access policies for the products. For this reason, he invites all parties to continue to increase their commitment, namely, in coaching and mentoring, to encourage productivity. In addition, the assistance and development of MSMEs, especially those with export potential, must be supported by easy financing facilities, as well as collaboration with large businesses.

At the same event, the Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Teten Masduki said that the COVID-19 pandemic still poses challenges for business activities, even though the economic growth rate improved in the second quarter of this year. According to Teten, the implementation of emergency Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) in the second quarter certainly presents challenges for business activities. However, he also hopes that the commemoration of National MSME Day 2021 will be an opportunity to revive MSME transformation efforts for the future. He hopes that this opportunity is used to prepare for the rise of Indonesian MSMEs to dominate and expand while adapting in the midst of a pandemic disruption.