Gibran: In The Midst Of A Pandemic, You Have To Go Digital, It's An Obligation If You Don't Die

SOLO - Mayor of Surakarta, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, said that digitizing MSMEs during the pandemic has become a necessity because switching to new technology is an obligation to maintain business and accelerate the process of National Economic Recovery (PEN).

"In the midst of a pandemic like now, we inevitably have to go digital. This is not an option, this is an obligation. Otherwise, you will definitely die", said Gibran, quoted by Antara, Thursday, September 30.

Gibran said the City of Solo has committed to raising and protecting the MSME sector. For this reason, Gibran advised e-commerce managers to protect and prioritize domestic MSME products.

"Earlier, Mr. Wishnutama said that Indonesian products must be prioritized, lest there be such as prayer mats, hijabs, Muslim clothes, or batik from China", said Gibran.

The eldest son of President Joko Widodo also advised that the fees for MSME merchants should not be too high because this could cause them difficulties and not survive.

“From the Ministry, the Mayor, the Regent, have asked 'let's go digital, let's go digital'. But if you go digital, it turns out that the fees are high, this is also burdensome for our MSMEs", said Gibran.

However, Gibran believes that all parties, from the government to the private sector, have the commitment and good intentions to protect Indonesian MSMEs so that they can advance to class.

“This place, this Solo Technopark, has been neglected for a long time. We want to change this. The Solo government cannot run alone. If all of this is handled by the Department, I'm sorry, it can't be like this. There is only a monotonous routine", he said.

Therefore, Gibran said that his party must collaborate by holding hands with all e-commerce platforms to commit to accelerating the National Economic Recovery (PEN).

“I believe that Indonesia will recover its economy the fastest, which is clear because our vaccination achievement is already high. I invite the residents of Solo not to be afraid to do activities anymore. If we keep quiet, wait until all of this is over and we don't know when it will end, our economy will continue like this", said Gibran.