BALI, iNews.id – The Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs (Kemenkop UKM) is collaborating with the National Handicraft Council (Dekranas) and the Perempuan Tangguh Indonesia (PTI) Foundation to support the expansion of the digital ecosystem for MSMEs with disabilities. Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs (Menkop UKM), Teten Masduki, stated that this collaboration aims to establish a digital ecosystem for MSMEs, including those with disabilities. The government has set a target of integrating 30 million MSMEs into the digital economy by 2024.

This synergy is realized through the 'Cerita Kriya' event in Bali on Thursday (September 8, 2022). The event is also supported by the Revolving Fund Management Institution for Cooperatives, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (LPDB-KUMKM), the SME Marketing Service Institution (Smesco Indonesia), WhatsApp Indonesia, and MSME Indonesia. According to Teten, this initiative empowers Indonesian artisan MSMEs, making them more independent as the digital economy strengthens. The program also serves as a cross-sectoral collaboration platform that creates opportunities for local artisan MSMEs to accelerate their potential and transition into the digital landscape.

"When discussing financial literacy and the digital economy, it is essential to leverage digital technology for MSME and cooperative business processes. Indonesian artisan MSMEs will become more empowered and self-sufficient by going digital. Therefore, we need more digital innovators,” said Teten during the opening speech at the 'Cerita Kriya' event in Bali on Thursday (September 8, 2022).

He emphasized that utilizing the digital economy is crucial for developing Indonesian artisan MSME business processes and cooperatives. Digital innovations have already empowered millions of MSME entrepreneurs, helping them survive despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Digital onboarding is particularly important for Indonesian artisan MSMEs, as it simplifies banking processes and saves time. It also makes online marketing easier, allowing business transactions to be managed directly from a mobile device.

The Chairwoman of Dekranas, Wury Ma’ruf Amin, stated that this year's 'Cerita Kriya' program focuses on strengthening the craft sub-sector ecosystem from upstream to downstream. This includes production processes, financing, marketing, and institutional aspects such as cooperatives. The primary focus is the digital transformation of MSME entrepreneurs, including those with disabilities.

"We are also engaging our friends with disabilities, who have already made significant contributions to the craft sector, to continue growing and finding their market through the 'Cerita Kriya' programs,” said Wury.

In 2022, Dekranas, with support from Kemenkop UKM, trained more than 500 government facilitators/trainers, targeting over 900,000 MSMEs. According to Wury, the collaboration between Dekranas and Kemenkop UKM has been ongoing since 2019. However, in 2020, both parties agreed to redesign the initiative to ensure long-term sustainability and focus on strengthening ecosystems for MSME entrepreneurs.

"Between 2020 and 2021, we focused on strengthening Indonesian Wastra (traditional textiles) in line with Dekranas’ mission under the theme 'Cerita Wastra',” Wury explained.

Meanwhile, Myra Winarko, Chairwoman of the PTI Foundation, stated that the opportunities provided by Kemenkop UKM and Dekranas could open doors for 31 million people with disabilities in Indonesia. The PTI Foundation serves as a business incubator for people with disabilities. This is why Kemenkop UKM and Dekranas have partnered with PTI to continue sustainable efforts in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through digital economy initiatives.

"God willing, we will address the Minister’s challenge regarding the digital ecosystem for people with disabilities, covering all aspects from upstream to downstream,” said Myra.

She further explained that graduates of PTI training programs are generally self-sufficient, with some even entering the professional workforce. PTI, as a business incubator, is also collaborating with major corporations and banks to continue providing digital training and market development.

"In the future, we even plan to create our own platform to provide training for people with disabilities, enabling them to enter the digital world independently,” Myra added.

Supomo, President Director of LPDB-KUMKM, stated in an official statement that his institution is ready to support and collaborate on programs for MSMEs with disabilities. According to him, LPDB-KUMKM is committed to helping disabled entrepreneurs grow and develop, particularly in transitioning to digital technology.

"We are ready to collaborate and provide financial support through cooperative legal entities in accordance with existing requirements,” said Supomo.

Editor: Jeanny Aipassa

This article was originally published on www.inews.id with the title "Kemenkop UKM Collaborates with Dekranas and PTI Foundation to Support the Expansion of the Digital Ecosystem for MSMEs with Disabilities”. Click here to read: https://www.inews.id/finance/bisnis/kemenkop-ukm-gandeng-dekranas-dan-yayasan-pti-dukung-perluasan-ekosistem-digital-umkm-disabilitas.