53rd Anniversary, Indonesian Chamber Of Commerce And Industry Will Focus On Restoring Health And Economy, Ketum Arsjad Rasjid: We Help 2 Million Vaccinations Per Day

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) celebrates its 53rd anniversary today. In celebration of this COVID-19 pandemic situation, Kadin will focus its attention on contributing to the recovery of health and the national economy.

Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Arsjad Rasjid said the 53rd Anniversary of Kadin took the theme '53 Years of Kadin Indonesia, our Collaborative and Inclusive Home is ready to Restore Health and Awaken the Economy Together for All Communities'.

"At this time Kadin not only plays a role in economic development, but is also expected to take part with the government in solving health challenges in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic," he said at the virtual Kadin 53rd Anniversary event, Friday, September 24.

Arsjad admits that the challenge is not easy, because this health issue has an impact on the economy. Therefore, health is one of Kadin's concerns to participate in developing the economy in the future.

According to him, in handling the pandemic, Kadin has participated in the implementation of the vaccination program to accelerate the formation of herd immunity, both for the private sector and the general public. This is in order to achieve the vaccination target of 2 million people per day.

Furthermore, Arsjad said, Kadin had also deployed a mobile vaccination bus program to reach people who had difficulty accessing health facilities, initiated the construction of oxygen houses in various regions, distributed medical oxygen cylinder packages in all provinces, to social assistance packages for people in need.

"This pandemic shows us how important the development of the national health and pharmaceutical industry is. On the other hand, this is a challenge as well as an opportunity for investment," he said.

According to him, at the age of 53 years is the right moment for the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to be grateful and celebrate all the achievements of entrepreneurs, as one of the nation's components that play an important role in the progress of trade and industry, as well as evaluating and preparing strategic plans for the future business climate. front.

Arsjad also highlighted the empowerment of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) which were hit hard during this pandemic. He said, previously, MSMEs were reliable enough to support the economy like during the 1998 and 2008 crises, but not this time.

"Not this time. So (UMKM) must be our serious concern together," he said.

Not only that, Arsjad said, Kadin will encourage MSME players to advance to class and be competitive both domestically and in the global market. Programs related to regional development and integration of MSMEs into supply chains, digitizing cooperatives and incubation of cooperatives and MSME businesses.

This includes financing schemes according to business models and commodities, which are expected to be able to encourage Indonesian MSMEs to be more competitive.

"MSMEs contribute to the absorption of labor. We hope that MSME actors can adapt more to technology, have digital literacy to be able to develop their market and business," he said.