Tani Merdeka Indonesia and APPSI Push for Strengthening the People-Centred Economy
Jakarta — Tani Merdeka Indonesia, together with the All-Indonesia Market Traders Association (APPSI), has reaffirmed support for national economic development that prioritises the principles of a people-centred economy and a bias towards the welfare of the small community. The statement was delivered at a rally also attended by representatives from labour unions, online ride-hailing drivers (ojol), and students from Semmi, PII, and LMND, in Jakarta on Tuesday, 20 May. In their statement, the two organisations said the national economic development should be implemented in a way that ensures benefits are felt widely by farmers, market traders, fishers, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and other sections of the community.
Aiman Adnan, the Action Coordinator, said the direction of national economic policy needs to be pursued in accordance with Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution, which places the principles of togetherness, mutual cooperation, and social justice as the foundation of development.
“We believe Indonesia’s economy must deliver the greatest possible benefit to the people. Farmers, market traders, fishers, MSMEs, and the wider public must have equal opportunities to grow,” Aiman said.
According to him, the state must be present to safeguard justice so that economic development is not enjoyed only by a certain group. Therefore, strengthening cooperatives and protection of people’s markets are deemed important to ensure access to business, capital, distribution, and a fairer market for the community.
“People-centred economy is not merely a concept, but must be realised through policies that genuinely touch the needs of the people. We want farmers and traders to have a stronger and more sustainable space to grow,” said Aiman.
In their statement, Tani Merdeka Indonesia and APPSI set out five main points. First, support for a people-centred economic system based on the principle of familial solidarity. Second, support for countering monopolistic practices and price manipulation that harm the people. Third, strengthening cooperatives and village economies. Fourth, pushing real support for farmers and market traders. Fifth, strengthening the practice of Pancasila values in national economic development.
Through the statement, the two organisations also expressed readiness to be part of a joint movement to strengthen the people’s economy and support policies deemed to deliver real benefits to the community.