VIVA Business – The Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs (Kemenkop UKM) is encouraging the Indonesian artisan MSME ecosystem to become more competitive and independent as the digital economy strengthens. Entering the digital economic ecosystem is one of the essential steps MSMEs must take. Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs, Teten Masduki, stated that this goal is being pursued through the 'Cerita Kriya' event in Bali, in collaboration with the National Handicraft Council (Dekranas). This synergy initiative serves as a gateway for cross-sectoral collaboration.
This partnership is expected to provide opportunities for local artisan MSMEs to accelerate their potential and transition into the digital space.
"Indonesian artisan MSMEs will become more empowered and independent by going digital. Therefore, we need many digital innovators,” Teten said in a statement on Thursday, September 8, 2022.
Currently, leveraging the digital economy is a key focus for developing business processes among Indonesian artisan MSMEs and cooperatives. Digitalization driven by innovators has already empowered millions of MSME entrepreneurs, strengthening them even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Digital onboarding is crucial for Indonesian artisan MSMEs, as it helps resolve time-consuming banking processes and makes online marketing much easier,” he explained.
Similarly, Wury Ma’ruf Amin, Chairwoman of Dekranas, 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.
"Most importantly, digital transformation for entrepreneurs. We are also involving our friends with disabilities, who have made significant contributions to the craft sector, to continue growing and finding their market through the 'Cerita Kriya' programs,” said Wury.
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.
"We will answer the Minister’s challenge by developing a digital ecosystem for people with disabilities, covering all aspects from upstream to downstream,” said Myra.
The PTI Foundation serves as a business incubator for people with disabilities. Therefore, Kemenkop UKM and Dekranas have partnered with PTI to continue their sustainable efforts in supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the digital economy.
The 'Cerita Kriya' event is also supported by various collaborators, including the Revolving Fund Management Institution for Cooperatives, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (LPDB-KUMKM), the SME Marketing Service Institution (Smesco Indonesia), the Perempuan Tangguh Indonesia (PTI) Foundation, WhatsApp Indonesia, and MSME Indonesia.
This article was originally published on VIVA.co.id on Thursday, September 8, 2022 – 14:17 WIB
Article Title: Menkop UKM Encourages MSMEs to Go Digital for Greater Competitiveness
Article Link: https://www.viva.co.id/berita/bisnis/1518638-menkop-ukm-dorong-umkm-go-digital-agar-lebih-berdaya-saing?page=2
By: Fikri Halim, Mohammad Yudha Prasetya
