inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Often referred to as the national economy backbone, the government further emphasized the important role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Indonesian economy.

It has been shown that the MSMEs have contributed for more than 60% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). And provides employment for most of the community.

The Main Expert for Entrepreneurship Development of the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, Hanung Harimba Rachman, explained three strategic steps taken by the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs.

"One of the main approaches of the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs is to ensure that MSMEs get financing facilities," he said on Monday (9/9/2024).

This approach not only includes direct financial assistance, but also coaching so that MSMEs have the knowledge to manage their capital effectively.

Not only providing capital, the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs also strives to open access to capital as widely as possible for MSMEs. This is done through various schemes.

One important step is through collaboration with financial institutions. Both banks and non-banks, and by utilizing increasingly developing digital platforms.

"We encourage MSMEs to enter the digital realm. Where they can get access to various financial programs more efficiently," he said.

The government has also created various policies to support this, including the policy of allocating 40% of government spending on goods and services to MSME products. In addition, the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs encourages MSMEs not to rely solely on capital from traditional financial institutions.

He also emphasized the importance of protection for MSMEs in facing increasingly fierce competition, both from local and international markets. One important step is to strengthen regulations that protect MSMEs from unfair trade practices.

"We face challenges from imported products that are cheaper, which often make it difficult for MSMEs to compete," he said.

According to him, imported products are sold at very low prices, killing local businesses. He emphasized that MSME protection is not only limited to trade regulations, but also includes empowerment and assistance in facing the challenges of digitalization.

With strong capital, open access to capital, and optimal protection, Indonesian MSMEs have a solid foundation. This is to continue to grow and contribute more to the national economy.

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