Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Opening of Joglosemar Festival: Artisan of Java, 20 May 2021, from Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

May peace be upon us all,

Om Swastiastu,

Namo Buddhaya,

Greetings of Virtue.

Distinguished Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet;

Distinguished Governor of Bank Indonesia;

Distinguished Governors of Special Region of Yogyakarta and Central Java Provinces;

Distinguished Mayors of Semarang, Yogyakarta, and Surakarta, as well as Regent of Magelang;

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

We want to seize the moment of the National Awakening Day to accelerate the awakening of Indonesian products, the awakening of our micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) that are able to manufacture high-quality products, to dominate domestic market and enter the global market competition, and to level up. Let me reiterate that MSMEs are fundamental pillars that can stimulate the national economy. It is because the MSMEs have various products which businesses spread throughout the country, involve many locals, create new jobs, and absorb manpower.

Distinguished Guests,

One year ago, we had launched the national campaign to buy Indonesian products (Gernas BBI). After a year, I hope it brings concrete results and progress. We expect the number of MSMEs joining e-commerce can increase significantly. Thus, it will also bring a positive impact on the economic flow in which the cash will circulate from the grassroots, to the peripheries and remote areas in the country in equitable and just manners. We also continue to improve the business environment for the MSMEs. In addition, Job Creation Law provides ease of doing business for the MSMEs, simplifies complicated and overlapping regulations, and facilitates the MSMEs to open new businesses.

Let me remind the cabinet and regional heads to ensure the implementation on the ground. It is really important to guard the implementation, so that the benefits can be felt by the MSMEs players. Structural reforms adopted by the Government do not only address permitting issues. We have and will continue to offer easy access to finance, we also improve access to the market, provide assistance to the MSMEs, carry on improvement of branding, packaging, and marketing, as well as enhance protection to the MSMEs.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For the sake of the development of MSMEs, I hope all sides can be involved. Continue promoting and marketing the MSMEs products at favorable places, displaying the products at the first row of the stores’ window. More MSMEs products must be promoted to be sold at airports, rest areas, tourist attractions, and other strategic places.

Offer more opportunities and virtual events so that our MSMEs products can be known by and attracted wider audience. Thus, it will enhance public’s love and boost their pride to national products, not only during a festival, during the Joglosemar Festival, or in Joglosemar area, but revival of domestic products at the national market and global market, as well as the revival of MSMEs to level up.

And that concludes my remark on this auspicious occasion. By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I declare the 2021 Joglosemar Festival officially open today.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Om santi santi santi om,

Namo Buddhaya. (RAS/MMB)