Government Prepares IDR 157 Trillion To Raise MSMEs From Pandemic

Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) need to find various ways to increase their business. One of them is with a digital platform and expanding its reach to several sectors.

"However, this step must be accompanied by the principle of resilience and resilience, so that we can get out of the pressure of the Covid-19 pandemic," said the Presidential Chief of Staff, Dr. Moeldoko when opening the Grab webinar Keeps Business Accelerator for SMEs Digital Talkshow from the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) Situation Room, Wednesday, February 10.

The use of digital platforms, said Moeldoko, is in line with changes in consumer behavior patterns during the pandemic. This means that MSMEs must optimize online marketing, while still paying attention to good product quality and strategies to maintain a customer base. That way, Moeldoko was sure, UMKM business activities could grow sustainably.

Apart from that, Moeldoko conveyed that the Government would prepare a budget of around Rp. 157 trillion as an allocation of support to MSMEs and corporate financing in the 2021 National Economic Recovery Program (PEN). In fact, he said, there was also a stimulus for MSMEs through policies in the financial services sector.

"Starting from applying for credit, restructuring credit, subsidizing interest, tax incentives, training, to involving MSMEs in the procurement of government and BUMN goods and services," said Moeldoko.

Moeldoko added that the PEN Program was a Government initiative to help the problems that occurred due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Especially for the affected MSMEs, both financially and non-financially.

Moeldoko also realized that MSMEs have an important role in the Indonesian economy. So, to face the challenges due to the impact of this pandemic, Moeldoko encourages MSMEs to work together with the Government to implement strategies that are focused and effectively accelerate business recovery. Not to forget, Moeldoko appreciated Grab and Sahabat UMKM who have collaborated in developing and fostering MSMEs in Indonesia on an ongoing basis.