Introductory Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at Disbursement of Productive Presidential Assistance for Micro Enterprises, Tuesday, 25 August 2020 at the Integrated Business Service Center for Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises, Banda Aceh, Aceh Province
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Distinguished Minister of State-owned Enterprises,
Presidential Chief of Staff,
Governor of Aceh,
Micro and Small Entrepreneurs attending this event in person or virtually,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today you will receive Productive Presidential Assistance. It is provided by the Government because we know that this is a very difficult time. Micro, small, medium, or ever big enterprises are experiencing hard times. We are indeed still in a difficult position due to COVID-19 pandemic or the coronavirus. We hope the situation may return to normal when all Indonesians receive vaccine. We are planning to produce the vaccine in December or January; thus the vaccination can start in January. For that reason, you the entrepreneurs must continue your hard work and spirit so that the economy remain stable although I know there has been a decline in revenue.
What do you do for a living?
Beneficiary of Productive Presidential Assistance for Micro Enterprises (Cake Seller)
I sell cake.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Selling cake. How much money you earn in normal condition each day?
Beneficiary of Productive Presidential Assistance for Micro Enterprises (Cake Seller)
Rp150,000
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Rp150,000.
Beneficiary of Productive Presidential Assistance for Micro Enterprises (Cake Seller)
But now it’s only Rp50,000.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Rp50,000. Well, it’s only one-third of the previous revenue. It is indeed hard times and you are not the only one who is going through this. The whole world faces the same situation. 215 countries are facing the same situation since the COVID-19 pandemic does not only affect the economy but also health sectors, and all sectors. This is a global pandemic that does not only hit Indonesia. Therefore, today we disburse Productive Presidential Assistance. Have you got your passbook in your possession? Have you?
Beneficiaries of Productive Presidential Assistance for Micro Enterprises
Yes.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Okay. Have you disbursed it?
Beneficiaries of Productive Presidential Assistance for Micro Enterprises
Yes.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Okay then. The fact that you have the money in your possession is the thing that matters. The money deposited in your account is no less than Rp2.4 million, right? Okay. Today, more than 200 micro and small entrepreneurs receive the assistance. The assistance will be disbursed to 12 million micro and small entrepreneurs from all over Indonesia by September. The number of beneficiaries increases each day from 1 million people in the beginning, Inshaa Allah, God willing, by the end of September we can meet the target of 12 million. We hope that with the assistance your business can continue to grow. We hope the revenue can rebound although it may not be back to normal level. At least it can increase. We must understand this situation until the situation returns to normal.
I think this province fares better than other provinces do, particularly those in the Java Island, in terms of the pandemic situation. The number of positive cases in Java is higher than that in Aceh. I told the Governor to tighten control so that COVID-19 will no longer exist in Aceh Province and in Indonesia.
Do not forget to remind yourself, your family, your neighbors to always wear a face mask everywhere, to maintain safe distance, to avoid crowds, and to wash hands. Those are our measures to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
And that concludes my remarks in this auspicious occasion. Keep up the good work. Work hard to restore the situation to the normal level.
Thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Translated by Rany Anjany Subachrum
Reviewed by M. Ersan Pamungkas