So this business actor has disability, the investor also has disability. Now, do you need working capital? The SOEs Ministry, please come hereBandung (ANTARA) - State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir has agreed to turn investor for an MSME (micro, small and medium enterprise or UMKM) entrepreneur living with disability from Cimahi city, West Java.
He announced his decision after Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia asked him to come up to the stage at an event held to issue business identification numbers to individual micro and small business players in Gelora Si Jalak Harupat, Bandung district, West Java, on Monday.
"So this business actor has disability, the investor also has disability. Now, do you need working capital? The SOEs Ministry, please come here," Lahadalia said while talking to the entrepreneur, identified as Sintia.
Sintia, who makes snacks ranging from pempek, fried meatballs, to Korean specialties, was among the MSME players who had been invited on stage to meet the ministers at the event.
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Sintia said that she has been running her business from her house for a year, adding that her monthly turnover is around Rp1 million.
After Thohir went on stage, Sintia was asked how much money she needed to develop her business. However, she seemed reluctant to answer.
"How much funding do you need? Just say it. Entrepreneurs must be brave," Thohir encouraged.
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"As for the amount, it is up to you, Sir. As much as Mr. Thohir is willing to give," Sintia remarked.
After the exchange, Sintia said that she wanted the minister to become an investor in her business rather than just simply giving funds. He agreed to the request.
"Oh, you don't need funds, (but you) want an investor (instead). That is amazing, I agree. Later on, please give me your telephone number. Bismillah," the minister said.
The event was attended by hundreds of individual MSME players. Lahadalia said the identification numbers issued to them were necessary for allowing them faster access to banking capital.
He deemed the development of MSMEs very important for improving the country's economy. Additionally, MSMEs also have the opportunity to open job opportunities, the minister added.
"We expedite information about business identification numbers by going directly to the field, starting today. However, education from the agencies and ministries has been done before," the investment minister informed.
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Translator: Bagus A R, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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