The government could increase their budget to enhance digital infrastructure, but we would not reach our maximum potential if we are not collaborating with the private sectorJakarta (ANTARA) - Digital transformation is key for ensuring micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can survive and thrive post-COVID-19, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has said.
"The role of digital technology is paramount for MSMEs as the pandemic has hastened the transition to a digital economy," she said at a Google for Indonesia event on Thursday.
Entrepreneurs could utilize digital technology to enhance product quality, access new capital opportunities, and expand market reach, she pointed out.
The government has invested in the national IT infrastructure to enhance digital connectivity in the country, the minister informed.
She also urged the government to enter into collaborations, including with the private sector, to ramp up MSME recovery and growth by supporting their access to digital technology.
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"The government could increase their budget to enhance digital infrastructure, but we would not reach our maximum potential if we are not collaborating with the private sector," Indrawati remarked.
The government has collaborated with technology company Google whose digital literacy class has covered more than two million MSMEs.
She lauded Google's collaboration with non-profit international organization KIVA to cooperate with local partners to distribute low-interest business loans with a total value of US$10 million.
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"While the government has assisted MSMEs by enacting policies to empower the enterprises, the private sector has performed its duty by introducing digital technology. We hope the Indonesian economy and MSMEs would recover in the near future," Indrawati said.
The minister also commended all parties that have contributed to assisting local MSMEs and strengthening the foundation of the Indonesian economy.
"We should not be tired of loving Indonesia and we must devote and do our best for the country," she remarked.
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Translator: Arnidhya Nur Z, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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