Minister pushes for MSME credit access beyond Java
“Indonesia is not only Java, but Indonesia consists of a wide diversity and a remarkably vast territory,” Abdurrahman said here on Thursday (Oct 29).
He stressed Indonesia’s vast territory and diverse regional characteristics require empowerment policies that could reach business players in various regions.
The government wants to ensure business players in various regions have equal opportunities to raise their business capacity and obtain business development support.
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One effort the ministry is pushing is developing the digital platform called “Sapa UMKM”, designed to bring various business empowerment services together in one ecosystem.
“We are preparing an ecosystem for empowering MSMEs that connects business improvement, legality, certification, digitalization, financing, and market access for MSMEs in one digital platform that we have already launched, called Sapa UMKM,” Abdurrahman said.
He explained an integrated approach is needed because MSME players’ needs differ depending on business conditions, management capacity, and access to supporting facilities in their respective regions.
Besides developing the digital platform, the government is also pushing stronger assistance for women micro-entrepreneurs through the Laksmi (Inclusive Micro Business Capacity Acceleration Steps) program and a top entrepreneur exchange.
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The Laksmi program is directed at improving entrepreneurship skills while connecting business players with financing opportunities and business partners.
Abdurrahman assessed that equal empowerment cannot be achieved by providing access to capital alone. Business players also need assistance, so they can use financing productively and grow their businesses sustainably.
Therefore, collaboration among the central government, regional governments, and financial institutions is an important part of ensuring empowerment programs can reach MSME players according to their needs.
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Translator: Rolandus, Kenzu