Minister cites World Cup screenings as boost for local economies
He cited reports from regional leaders highlighting tangible impacts on local businesses.
“The World Cup has stimulated local economies and empowered MSMEs,” Abdurrahman remarked during a screening of the World Cup Final with online taxi drivers at the MSME Ministry in Jakarta on Monday.
He noted that public screenings nationwide contributed to local economies, evidenced by increased sales of food, beverages, and other MSME products throughout the tournament.
The minister added that the trend was largely driven by numerous establishments, including cafes, organizing match screenings, an initiative proven effective in attracting more customers.
Regarding the final match screening, Abdurrahman described it as the ministry’s initiative to strengthen ties with online taxi drivers while promoting unity and togetherness among MSME actors.
He said the event was held at the request of driver communities, adding that he attended alongside Deputy Minister Helvi Yuni Moraza to reaffirm President Prabowo Subianto’s support for MSMEs and gig workers, including ride-hailing drivers.
The president, he noted, tasked the MSME Ministry with opening avenues for online taxi drivers to improve their welfare through empowerment programs and efforts to strengthen the ecosystem for ride-hailing services.
Abdurrahman emphasized the importance of building trust and synergy among the government, drivers, and platform companies to formulate and implement effective policies aligned with that goal.
Deputy Minister Moraza echoed a similar sentiment, expressing hope that the screening would help strengthen Indonesia’s MSME ecosystem, which he said involves online taxi drivers.
State-run television TVRI secured the rights to broadcast all matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, providing free access through TVRI Nasional and TVRI Sports channels while enabling public screenings nationwide.
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Translator: M. Harianto, Tegar Nurfitra