Gov’t Committed to Developing MSMEs: President Jokowi

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, accompanied by Vice President KH. Ma’ruf Amin, chairs a Limited Cabinet Meeting on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development at Presidential Office, Jakarta, Monday (11/11). (Photo by: Rahmat/PR)

Program to develop micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) implemented by several ministries and institutions have not been well-coordinated, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“The MSMEs development progras carried out by state-owned enterprises (SOEs) or private sector have not achieved the target,” President Jokowi said in his remarks at a limited cabinet meeting on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development at Presidential Office, Jakarta, Monday (11/11).

President Jokowi added that MSMEs development program was a “monotonous routine” and did not support MSMEs’ needs.

Banks, the President added, should also expand financing to micro businesses and small businesses.

The Government also seeks to cut interest rate for MSMEs from 7% to 6% and will accommodate manufacturing sector to the program, he added

The President further said that the Government aims to improve the MSMEs and upgrade micro business to small business, small business to medium business, and medium business to large enterprises.

Therefore, the Head of State said he had instructed Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) to ensure that investment benefits local entrepreneurs, small entrepreneurs and micro entrepreneurs.

“For instance, the construction of toll road, airport, and port infrastructure should accommodate our MSMEs in the supply chain,” the President said, adding that rest areas on toll roads or airport terminals should provide room for MSMEs.

“Do not prioritize foreign brands,” President Jokowi said. (FID / RAH / ES)

Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Edited by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman/M. Ersan Pamungkas