Kemenkop UKM Affirms Will Protect Madura Cs Stalls From Modern Retail Threats

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs (Kemenkop UKM) has stated that it will protect MSMEs including Madura grocery stores from the threat of expansive modern retail.

The statement was made by the Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs Arif Rahman Hakim in response to reports related to the operating hours of Madura stalls while clarifying his statement asking business actors to comply with the rules.

"In principle, we continue to strive to provide various facilities, protection, and empowerment for MSME actors. This has also been stated in Government Regulation (PP) Number 7 of 2021," said Arif quoting Antara.

Government Regulation Number 7 of 2021 concerning Ease, Protection, and Empowerment of Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) regulates various matters related to ease, protection, and empowerment of cooperatives and MSMEs, including simplifying business licensing, protecting MSME rights and access to capital.

This regulation also stipulates that every ministry/institution and local government must have legal assistance and assistance services to MSME actors which includes legal distribution, legal consultation, mediation, and the preparation of legal documents.

Arif emphasized that the Kemenkop UKM has never banned Madura stalls from operating 24 hours because the Madura grocery store is not a minimarket, supermarket, or department store.

Meanwhile, Regional Regulations related to limiting operating hours only apply to modern retail businesses, minimarkets, hypermarkets, department stores, and supermarkets.

Arif also denied that the Kemenkop UKM sided with other modern minimarkets or retailers. He even invited people to shop at MSME-owned stalls.

Regarding the local government's appeal to Madura stalls not to sell for 24 hours, Arif said that his party would ask for further explanation from the relevant local government.

"We will also evaluate regional policies that are counterproductive to the interests of MSMEs," said Arif.