Introductory Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Limited Cabinet Meeting (Through Video Conference) On the COVID-19 Impact Mitigation Programs for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Wednesday, 15 April 2020 at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

In mitigating the impact of COVID-19 for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, I want to highlight several things.

First, accelerate the implementation of credit restructuring and relaxation program for MSMEs that are experiencing difficulties. The assistance mechanism for MSMEs loan, whether in the form of interest subsidies, in the form of postponement of principal payments, and, the important thing, the additional working capital loan, must be implemented immediately. Do not wait until they close the business. Do not be late, do not be late and ignite turmoil in the communities. I demand that the budget for the needs is carefully calculated so we can make the next decisions.

Second, during this pandemic I also ask for preparation of a new scheme, a new scheme in financing, especially those related to investment and to working capital. And the submission should be easier, especially for the affected areas.

Third, for micro and ultra-micro businesses, I also ask that they are included in social assistance schemes, especially those related to staple food packages.

Fourth, I demand that micro businesses, small businesses and medium businesses are given the opportunity to continue the production, especially in the agricultural sector, in the home industry sector and traditional stalls and food sector with strict health protocols.

I think that concludes my introductory remarks.

Translated by Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Reviewed by Mia Medyana B