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President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the opening of the UMKM Export BRIllianpreneur 2019 in Jakarta on Friday  (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) conceded to the fact that large-scale companies continue to play a dominant role in Indonesia's exports.

"I tell you as it is, large-scale businesses yet contribute to exports," Jokowi remarked at the opening of the micro-, small-, and medium-scale entrepreneurs (UMKM) Export BRIllianpreneur 2019 held here on Friday.

The head of state cautioned that such a situation should not daunt SMEs entrepreneurs since the government had continued to take requisite efforts to spur exports by SMEs.

"I am optimistic about the situation improving the other way round. Currently, large-scale firms contributed 85.6 percent to exports. It is okay. It means that the remaining 14 percent is the contribution of SMEs," he noted.

The president believes that varied efforts, comprising those undertaken by the state-run bank PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), can drive the exports of SMEs products.

"When I saw products showcased here. I am optimistic that soon these products would flood the export market if we were to consolidate the market and improve the standard of quality of products to compete with other countries," Jokowi emphasized.

President Director of BRI Sunarso emphasized that UMKM BRIllianpreneur 2019, held on December 20-22, aimed at encouraging SMEs to up their ante to penetrate the export market.

"The event witnessed the participation of 155 SMEs under BRI's coaching in fashion, handicraft, food, and beverages," he stated.

Activities during the event comprised a coaching clinic for SME, training in packaging, UMKM Award, barista competition, and business matching between SME and potential buyers, he revealed. (ANTARA