During this pandemic, we have tried to create platforms to enhance their (MSME's) progress
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta administration's Jakpreneur Program is aimed at bolstering the ecosystem of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) so they can rise and grow again amid the pandemic.

"During this pandemic, we have tried to create platforms to enhance their (MSME's) progress," Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has stated at the launch of the 'Designers Lab Program' here on Tuesday.

He said his administration is facilitating training and helping MSMEs connect with markets and financial institutions to encourage supply through the Jakpreneur ecosystem.

Not only that, the demand also needs to be pushed up, and the government can play a role in this, Baswedan noted.

"We, as the government, have a role to push further, increase demand, which, hopefully, can trigger future supply. It also means opportunities for MSMEs," he said.

In addition to ensuring supply and demand, the government is also working to provide flexible regulations and make it convenient for businesses to grow amid the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the governor informed.

Currently, the number of MSMEs in Jakarta is estimated at around 1.1 million, and their activities are helping boost the capital's economy, he said.

Meanwhile, the number of Jakpreneur business players is estimated to have reached around 140 thousand by the end of 2020, he said..

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"Hopefully, through collaboration, we will have a better ecosystem that supports startups in Jakarta," he remarked.

The 'Designers Lab Program' has been held as part of a cooperation between the Jakarta provincial government and the Berlin state government of Germany to support the startup ecosystem in Jakarta, Baswedan said.

Later, the program will promote Startup Support Organizations through training and certification to develop Jakarta's entrepreneurial ecosystem, and encourage systematic innovation, economic resilience, and job creation in Jakarta, he added.

The Cooperatives and SMEs Ministry, SOEs Ministry, and Industry Ministry recently signed a memorandum of understanding on the inclusion of cooperatives, MSMEs, and industries in the SOE supply chain, with a cooperation value of Rp52.23 billion.

In addition to this cooperation, the SMEs ministry has another strategic program, which is aimed at expanding MSME market access, both domestically and internationally, Hanung Harimba, a deputy for SMEs at the ministry said.

"For example, through digitalization to strengthen local brands in order to go global," Harimba explained.

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Translator: Dewa W, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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