Matahari, Mustika and Modern help small firms

JAKARTA (JP): Matahari Group, PT Mustika Ratu, Modern Group and the Coordinating Body for the Implementation of National Business Partnership Program (BKPK-KUNAS) pledged yesterday to provide Rp 193 billion (US$81.43 million) in financial aid to small firms.

The minister of cooperatives and small enterprises, Subiakto Tjakrawerdaya, witnessed the signing of the financial assistance agreements.

Retail giant Matahari Group will give Rp 100 billion (US$41.6 million) this year to about 1,200 small businesses in Jakarta's Mitra Binaan business group.

The president of Matahari Group, Hari Darmawan, said "the program will include training for small entrepreneurs at Matahari department stores and management courses for them. We will also allow them to supply their products to us with Matahari labels."

Mustika Ratu will give Rp 60 billion to about 5,000 food stall holders in Greater Jakarta which are members of the Food Stall Association.

The president of Mustika Ratu, Mooryati Soedibyo, said the money would be used for management training, agency supports and credits.

BKBK-KUNAS and the University of Indonesia's economics faculty will spend Rp 18 billion providing management consultation, training and information for small businesses.

The rector of the University of Indonesia, Tajuddin M.K., said the "five-year program will cost around Rp 18 billion, including Rp 330 million for managerial assistance."

Modern Group has pledged Rp 15 billion for partnership programs with 1,000 small photo stalls in Jakarta and at tourist resorts.

The president of Modern Group, Samadikun Hartono, said the money would be used for agency services, management consultation, training, low-interest loans and store facilities for one year.

The chairman of BKBK-KUNAS, Sukamdani S. Gitosardjono, said the organization's members had increased from 79 when it started in January to 85. (10)