MP urges SMEs to become business-savvy and food self-sufficient, not just focus on selling

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of DPR RI Commission VII Putra Nababan has urged micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) actors to become savvy in the world of business and achieve food self-sufficiency, so as not to merely engage in selling activities. He expressed regret that many MSME actors still run their businesses in an “old-fashioned” manner, relying solely on boldness without being equipped with a solid strategy. “We want to ensure that what grows is not just the industry statistically, but also the welfare of its actors,” Putra said in a written statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday. He made these remarks during a working visit to MSME actors in East Jakarta, which he assessed as having great potential. According to Putra, business literacy is actually simple, namely how business actors are smart in “storytelling” about the uniqueness of their own ventures. He gave the example that batik artisans in Ciracas or Pulo Gadung must be able to sell the philosophy behind each motif, so that the product has added value in the eyes of tourists. “We have Condet with its perfume fragrance, Jatinegara with its legendary cuisine. But we often just sell. Through business savvy, we want perfume makers not just to sell perfume, but to sell the story behind its aroma,” he said. In addition, he assessed that the issue of capital, which is always a classic complaint for MSME actors, arises because many business actors are still averse to banks due to not understanding the process. According to Putra, there is the People’s Business Credit (KUR) system as “fuel” to accelerate business momentum, not a frightening instalment burden. “The interest is low, the requirements are not complicated, as long as they have a business licence (NIB) and the business is genuinely operating. So, don’t let a good idea die just because of lack of capital,” he said. Furthermore, he reminded that businesses in the tourism sector must be linked to food resilience. He said this because the world is currently experiencing a food crisis. “What is the point of a nice tourist spot if the people are still anxious about food? Don’t let even an inch of land in the yard lie idle,” he said.