In 2014-2017 the program was applied to 380 IKMs. The machinery and equipment provided by the ministry included transportation, furniture, metals, and chemicals.
"The program of providing machinery and production-supporting equipment is aimed at increasing the productivity of SMIs and to boost their competitiveness in domestic and export markets," the Director General of SMIs, Ministry of Industry, Gati Wibawaningsih, said in a statement received by Antara here Sunday.
According to Gati, this strategic program has been implemented since 2009. In 2009-2012, the program was applied for SMIs engaged in clothing production. "After 2012, this program is available for all SMIs sectors," she said.
According to Gati, the production-equipment supply program was given in the form of discount by 30 percent for SMIs to purchase machinery or equipment made in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, SMIs which buy foreign-made machinery or equipment could get a discount by 25 percent.
"This program is very helpful for SMIs, especially in reducing equipment purchasing cost. This program is expected to increase production," she said.
In the 2014-2017 period, the total value of discount price given to SMIs amounted to Rp42,306 billion.
Gati added that the program was resumed in 2018 based on the Regulation of the Minister of Industry.
"The ministry has socialized the program to all SMIs," she explained.
On October 28, 2018 in Surakarta, the Directorate General of SMIs held a program to socialize the program. The program is expected to improve competitiveness in export.
The event was participated in by 200 SMIs from various sectors such as food, wooden-products, furniture, and 25 stakeholders.
"Through this socialization program, participants could directly find procedures, requirements and criteria related to the program. In addition, the SMIs were introduced to the latest technology," Gati said.
The introduction of industry technology 4.0 covered cloud computing, internet and artificial intelligence.
"We also include the SMIs in the e-Smart SMI program, so that in the future they will be able to market their products online under cooperation with some online marketplaces," he added.
Gati hoped that training on digital technology program will nurture national SMIs in developing their businesses, increasing the production and expanding the marketing.
Reporting by Sella Panduarsa Gareta
Editing by Libertina W Ambari
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Andi Abdussalam
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
