TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Expert staff of the Cooperatives and SMEs Minister, Eddy Satria, predicted that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will be a sector that can save the country from the threat of recession in 2023.

Reflecting on MSMEs’ resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, Eddy was optimistic that the culinary sector will be the most resilient in facing the global crisis next year. Moreover, Indonesian people have a huge purchasing power.

“I am very optimistic and must remain optimistic. Besides, traffic jams occur everywhere. Instead of being stuck in congestion, people prefer to stop by to fill their stomachs or find entertainment such as meeting friends. That's life for MSMEs,” said Eddy in Kota Kasablanka, South Jakarta, on Thursday, October 27, 2022.

Although the 2023 recession may disrupt the import cycle and distribution of some of the raw materials needed by SMEs, he believed that local materials can be an alternative. He promised that the government will continue to cooperate with various parties so that the inter-island contribution can be optimized.

On the other hand, he acknowledged that MSMEs depending on imported commodities may face hurdles. But he was sure that they will survive. The ministry is determined to help MSME actors to obtain easy licensing, halal certificates, and training in order to boost their selling power.

The Cooperatives and SMEs Ministry, Eddy went on, will also keep encouraging the use of digital platforms and optimizing the micro-credit program to help actors of MSMEs in need of additional capital.

RIANI SANUSI PUTRI

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News