Budiman: Cooperatives And SMEs Make Indonesia Can Quickly Recover From The Pandemic

Budiman Sudjatmiko (Photo: DPR)

JAKARTA - PDI-P politician Budiman Sudjatmiko said he was ready to help the government in recovering the economy affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he was ready to help from inside or outside the government.

"Helping inside or outside is the same, but hopefully we can give the best for the people," said Budiman in the 'Great Gathering and National Symposium on People's Economy' at the Aryaduta Hotel, Jakarta, Thursday 24 March.

The chairman of the Indonesia 4.0 innovator said that the position is not something that should be questioned. He said moving with the people in advancing the nation is a must.

Furthermore, Budiman stated that the national economy could soon recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the main key to the revival was optimizing cooperatives and SMEs.

This reform activist said that cooperatives and MSMEs have proven to play an important role in revitalizing the economy. He said the economy of a number of countries is supported by microfinance such as cooperatives to MSMEs.

"I believe that the pandemic is a momentum for us to rise further from the economic side. The existence of cooperatives and MSMEs can accelerate that," Budiman said in his statement.

On the other hand, Budiman said that cooperatives and MSMEs must be able to keep up with large industries. In the matter of cooking oil, for example, he saw that cooperatives and MSMEs could play a role in overcoming it.

“When the big companies play, the people can help themselves by cooperating and having SMEs. So, cooperatives and MSMEs are the answer to the current and future crises," said Budiman.

Budiman added that he would encourage MSMEs to become a space for all people's businesses to grow big.

"But I also emphasize the importance of systems, institutions, finance, and technology related to various people's businesses," said Budiman.

More than that, Budiman said that cooperatives and SMEs must be solid. He also admitted that he was ready with the people to make it happen.