President Jokowi Upbeat PKK products can compete at Markets

President Jokowi and First Lady Iriana taking a picture with PKK board members, after attending the 46th Commemoration of Movement Day (HKG), at Mercure Hotel, Ancol, Jakarta, Tuesday (10/2). (Photo: Rahmat/Public Relations)

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo expressed optimism that products produced members of the Family Welfare Movement (PKK) can compete at the markets. According to the President, he often finds those products that have very good qualities at many exhibitions.

“What I see are not only handicrafts but also wooden products, stone products, products from marine natural resources, pearls and other beverage products,” President Jokowi said in his keynote speech at the 46^th Commemoration of Movement Day (HKG) and the Opening Ceremony Inauguration of the 2018 PKK Members National Jamboree, at Mercure Hotel, Jakarta, Tuesday (10/2).

Nevertheless, the President maintained that packaging remains an issue. “This (packaging issue) is the problem,” President Jokowi said, adding that a good product without good packaging will be hard to sell.

He added the designs should also adjust to what the market needs.

Therefore, President Jokowi called on PKK members to collaborate with the Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf) for re-designing of the products so they are ready to compete in both domestic and global market.

In terms of price, President Jokowi said that the prices of those products are very competitive and can compete with products from other nations.

President Jokowi went to say that one of the most common problems is when demands are high, overwhelming manufacturers.  Therefore, the President said that it is the task of PKK members and its board members to collaborate with related ministries to address the issue. “We can shift from using hands to using inexpensive machines to manufacture those products. They way, the number of products manufactured can increase,” President Jokowi said, adding that if those issues can be addressed, those products have big potentials

The President further said that if those products can marketed in the regions and the manufactures can partner with  the Creative Economy Industry, the products can be marketed at hypermarkets, supermarkets, or minimarkets, thus domestic products can grow.

The President added that each region should focus on just 2-3 products. “Do focus on 2-3 products. Find products that are competitive and, together, we find solutions to address the problems. I believe, each region has its own products,” President Jokowi added.

Also attending the event were First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo, Former President Megawati Soekarno Putri, Minister for Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo, and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.  (FID/RAH/ES)(HYP/EP/Naster)