Minister Sandiaga Mau Pelaku UMKM Palembang Harus 'Naik Kelas'

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy continues to encourage 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Palembang, South Sumatra to advance through the Buy Creative program.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno said this program would accompany MSME players in the culinary, craft and fashion sector to expand their digital business.

"The existence of the Beli Kreatif program in South Sumatra is a manifestation of the government's seriousness in encouraging the growth of the MSME sector," said Sandi after launching the program in Palembang, Wednesday, September 14.

There he was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Angela Tanoesoedibjo, South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru and South Sumatra BI Head Erwin Soeriadimadja.

He said that through this program, MSME actors are expected to be able to create new variants so that there is an increase in turnover.

South Sumatra's special products such as pempek culinary and songket fabrics are considered the most likely to develop in the future because they have followed the growing trends in society.

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy noted that there are 20 million MSMEs that are already connected to e-commerce. Even 1.3 million MSMEs have been able to expand the market to increase turnover.

This advancement in the MSME sector, said Sandiaga, is clear evidence that people have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the problem continues because after the pandemic, the country's economy is faced with supply chain disruption and is currently facing high inflation, reducing people's purchasing power.

However, with this Creative Defense, Sandi is optimistic that the MSME sector can contribute more so that it can play a role in reducing inflation.

"I will be here in three months, to be precise during the Ranau Grand Fondo event in South OKU which is also evaluating the mentoring program for these 200 MSME actors," he said.

Meanwhile, the Governor of South Sumatra Heman Deru responded positively to the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy's efforts in advancing MSMEs in South Sumatra.

Three things are expected by the South Sumatra Provincial Government to the central government for the development of the MSME sector, namely training, capital and marketing.

For capital, so far the KUR in South Sumatra has been optimally absorbed. It's just a matter of training and opening market access," said Herman Deru.

According to the governor, the development of MSMEs cannot be separated from tourism development because these local products can be popular with the arrival of tourists.

South Sumatra has also scheduled several national events to introduce regional tourist destinations and at the same time introduce regional MSME products.

"We are very grateful that the Ranau Grand Fondo event in South OKU every November has been included in the national annual agenda," he said.