Movement to Empower SMEs Must be Coupled with Quality Improvement

Photo captured from Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Youtube channel

Bangga Buatan Indonesia (Proud of Indonesian Products), a movement that supports Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), must be coupled with an improvement in quality and competitiveness of domestic products.

The statement was made by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo when delivering his remarks through video conference at the 2020 Bangga Buatan Indonesia Awarding Ceremony, Sunday (6/12). This event was organized to show appreciation to local products and works. There were eleven categories: beauty and health, animation, fashion, manufactured product, food, craft, event, music, game, app, and film. In addition, there were three special awards.

The President said that Indonesian youth are able to produce great works in creative industry, such in fashion, food, craft art, film, music, animation, game, and so on.

“We will continue to improve business ecosystem for creative industry. We must create more opportunities for the industry and unlock hidden potential in that area so it will enrich Indonesian products,” he added.

He went on to say that love of 270 million Indonesian people to domestic products is one of foundation of this movement. It will enhance the development of Indonesia’s creative industry and bring significant effect to the economy.

“If 270 million population are proud of, love, buy, and use domestic products, it can reduce the current account deficit, and at the same time stimulate the national creative industry,” he said.

The Head of State added that long distribution chain of the products will create derivative industry on Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises, create new jobs, and accelerate national economic recovery.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also expressed his appreciation to those winning the 2020 Bangga Buatan Indonesia Award and told them to continue their work to produce other masterpieces that can make the country proud.

The winners are:

In addition, the event also awarded three special awards to:

For the record, 14 ministries/institutions are involved in the Bangga Buatan Indonesia movement. The movement which is managed by Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment aims to implement President Jokowi’s directive to develop the products of Indonesia’s creative industry so these products can dominate domestic markets.

Launched by the President on 14 May 2020, the movement is a joint effort to stimulate the national economy by providing more opportunities for business players to market their products. (SLN/UN) (RAS/MMB)