Women-only SMEs play a big role and have a dual effect on the economy
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Teten Masduki is optimistic that the Advanced Indonesian Women (PIM), whose members largely constitute micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), would contribute to expediting economic recovery.

According to Masduki's statement here on Monday, out of the 65 million MSMEs, 30 percent are run by women, while 50.6 percent of small businesses and 52.9 percent of the micro-businesses are also operated by women.

"Women-only SMEs play a big role and have a dual effect on the economy. They tend to be environment-friendly and inclusive than those run by men," the minister noted in response to the establishment of PIM.

Meanwhile, PIM's Economic Affairs Vice Chairwoman Lisa Zen Purba stated that PIM had conducted various activities that support the development of women MSMEs by cooperating with various parties, such as the Pertamina Foundation holding the Womenpreneuership Online Coaching and Telkomsel offering the 99% Usahaku application, and Smesco, an agency under the ministry that facilitates MSMEs' access to market their products.

Currently, the PIM works along with Smesco in providing logistics facilities through the fulfillment center program, Purba stated.

Furthermore, Smesco President Director Leo Theosabrata remarked that the fulfillment center program is part of Smesco's integrated service in boosting the circulation of MSME products through logistics that is real-time, on-time, and secure.

"Thus, this is a solution to distribute MSME products more evenly, widely, economically, and affordably throughout Indonesia," he affirmed.

Moreover, PIM Chairwoman Lana Koentjoro remarked that PIM is an association spread throughout Indonesia, such as Aceh, Kalimantan, Sumatra, Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara, and also to the United States, Europe, and Hong Kong.

"PIM has also facilitated the sale and purchase of women MSMEs in collaboration with a marketplace in the US," Koentjoro added.

Earlier on Friday, Dec 17, the Presidential Advisory Council, concurrently the patron of PIM, Sidarto Danusubroto, officialized the board of PIM and advised that the PIM should continue to improve the progress made by Indonesian women and contribute to the nation's economy.

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Translator: Subagyo, Kenzu T
Editor: Sri Haryati
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