East Java Deputy Governor Emil Dardak Asks People To Shop At MSMEs

JAKARTA - The East Java Provincial Government encourages people to spend money in the MSME sector and the creative industry, so that economic activity can grow and stretch again.

Deputy Governor of East Java Emil Elestianto Dardak said that with this effort he was optimistic that the economy and the creative industry in his area could continue to grow during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emil, who previously attended the 2022 Gresik Creative Economy Festival in Commemoration of the 48th Anniversary of the Gresik Regency Government, said that the creative economy, if packaged properly, could produce value-added works.

"Similarly, the Gresik weaving heritage in Wedani is very much in demand and is starting to penetrate the international market," he said in a statement quoted by Antara, Sunday, February 6.

Therefore, the entire potential of MSMEs in the region must be continuously developed and encouraged with the various available energies.

"I see at Gress Mall that the level of people's shopping visits here is good. This shows that consumption activities are going well. In which 60 percent of East Java's economy is mostly contributed by consumption activities," he said.

Emil said that the economy and creative industries in East Java were contributed by three regions, namely Gresik, Sidoarjo, and Surabaya City.

Meanwhile, Gresik Regent Fandi Ahmad Yani admitted that he has a high commitment to encouraging MSMEs to continue to grow and develop.

"We also continue to optimize the preparation of assistance and training so that MSMEs can continue to develop their products," he said.

Gus Yani, as he is known, acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the decline in people's purchasing power. In fact, almost all sectors are affected, from schools to the economy.

Therefore, he asked the public to continue to comply with health protocols and immediately vaccinate. Therefore, the vaccination program is an endeavor that must be supported.

"By implementing the vaccination program, everything is going well and growing slowly starting from the economy, MSMEs, education all go hand in hand," he said.