Minister Maman urges MSME actors to join the SAPA MSME system

Minister for Cooperatives and SMEs Maman Abdurrahman has urged MSME actors to join the SAPA UMKM system, which can be downloaded via their respective mobile devices. “I mandate that Indonesian MSMEs enter this system as a one-stop service platform to drive the future growth of our national MSME economy,” said the Minister for SMEs in Badung Regency on Wednesday. Speaking at the Mass KUR Agreement Event for 1,000 Creative Economy MSMEs and the Outstanding Entrepreneur Exchange in Bali, Minister Maman explained that SAPA UMKM is more than just an app; it is a tool to demonstrate the presence of the Ministry of SMEs among millions of business actors. He recounted the difficulties faced by MSMEs in remote areas in conveying their field problems, and this limited access prompted the launch of the system today. “SAPA UMKM includes features to understand financial reporting and bookkeeping, a system for marketing and selling MSME products, features to connect and meet certification, legality, and financing access needs required by MSME friends across the country,” stated the Minister for SMEs. Additionally, the app will be connected to local police, as the government provides a feature for reporting extortion practices or illegal levies. One important service according to Maman is the disaster management module, where he recognises the many disaster potentials in Indonesia that threaten MSMEs, thus requiring anticipatory efforts. The Minister for SMEs assured that the app will continue to be evaluated; currently, out of 800 people in the trial, not all could access the system, including modules that are ready at only 80 percent. According to him, one obstacle is that the app can only be used on the Android operating system, while many business actors already use iOS. “We are currently in the process of communicating with iOS to integrate this system, so those still using iOS phones cannot yet access it, but the principle is that this is a system carried out, directed, and promoted by the government to provide service conveniences to all micro businesses,” Maman explained.