First Lady Iriana Jokowi: The COVID-19 Pandemic Brings Many Lessons For MSMEs

First Lady, Iriana Joko Widodo. (Photo: Bank Indonesia)

JAKARTA - The First Lady, Iriana Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that the COVID-19 pandemic will not only bring bad impacts but also positive opportunities. One of them is to encourage micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to switch faster to use digital technology.

Iriana also appreciates MSME players who never give up in advancing their business amidst the pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are also considered to be more innovative and creative.

"The COVID-19 pandemic offers many lessons, one of which is encouraging MSMEs to switch to digital faster. This makes Indonesian MSME products increasingly recognized internationally. Makes our MSMEs progress and move up in class," he said, during the Opening Ceremony of Indonesian Creative Works series. III, Friday, November 20.

According to Iriana, this development should be utilized by UMKM as well as possible. One way is to start preparing, adjusting and improving the quality of MSME products so that they are in line with the needs of the global market.

"We must immediately adjust and prepare ourselves to improve the quality of branding products, packing, service and prices. So as not to be less competitive with products from other countries," he said.

Not to forget, Iriana also asked the younger generation or Indonesian millennials to help develop creative and innovative types of businesses. According to him, millennials have a very wide network of friends. Especially because of the intensive interaction through social media.

"Therefore, now is the perfect time for young Indonesians to become entrepreneurs, to build and raise MSMEs. Helping to create jobs for the community, as well as encouraging the economy to move us back," he said.

The government, said Iriana, is also very supportive by providing facilities for young people who want to build MSMEs. Therefore, he asked young people not to be afraid to start a business if they have creative ideas.

"We encourage and create a culture of entrepreneurship among young people as a new economic force that is ready to go global or go global, bringing the name of Indonesian products to be increasingly in demand by the international market," he said.