"I think a partnership should be implemented soon, not only with the government and state-owned companies (BUMN), but also with big companies and conglomerates," the president said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said a business partnership between small businesses and big ones should be implemented to help small enterprises develop further and advance.

"I think a partnership should be implemented soon, not only with the government and state-owned companies (BUMN), but also with big companies and conglomerates," the President said when attending the opening the congress of the Nahdliyin Business Association (HPN) in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, on Friday.

Nadliyin are members of Indonesias largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU).

The President said that in the governments economic policy packages, partnership businesses have been mentioned. "I have just asked the HPN chief about what is actually needed by business makers. And the answer is that give us opportunities, good access to capital sources, or projects in the government or in the BUMNs."

Jokowi said in order to implement a partnership, small entrepreneurs and ministries or BUMNs (which have projects) will be brought together in a meeting in the coming two weeks.

"I will directly facilitate their meeting. I will only see it. This must be concrete. If not, I am afraid the PBNU (NU executive board) chairman will reprimand me," the president said.

The head of state also promised that there will be distribution of land, which for years is only given to those, who are close to power.

"We will change this; it will be given to people, cooperatives, and small businesses. However, it should be guaranteed that the land will be made productive," he said.

Jokowi said the government should also be informed about what land will be used, whether it is planted with coffee, cocoa, oil palm trees or what.

He added that the ownership of the land should not be transferred to others.

He further said there are 12.7 million hectares of land, which is ready to be distributed to the people.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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