Communications and Informatics Minister Johnny G. Plate emphasized that several challenges still existed in digitizing micro, small, and medium enterprises, including the entrepreneurs' ability to utilize digital marketplaces. He delivered the statement in a press release as quoted on Tuesday.
Plate listed the challenges that ranged from limited telecommunications infrastructure to connectivity, digital literacy, transaction security, personal data protection, and supporting policies, including control over illegal content in the marketplace.
The minister opined that all MSME-related mentoring and educational activities from various ministries and institutions should be synchronized.
The ministry noted that other matters of concern for MSMEs upon delving into online shopping platforms pertained to digital talent, shared use of big data, product quality improvement and market access, capital assistance, government's procurement system support, encouragement to use domestic products, and mapping the interagency role.
Minister Plate is confident that the issues would be addressed solely through collaboration among ministries, institutions, and business actors.
Related news: Jokowi targets 20 million MSMEs to leverage e-commerce by 2022
The ministry also handled problematic or illegal e-commerce sites. According to the ministry's data as of October 2021, around 4,220 problematic commercial sites, including related to e-commerce and financial technology, were handled.
They work with other ministries and institutions, including the Trade Ministry, to address this issue. As for dealing with illegal products, they cooperated with the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency while also utilizing the Telecommunication Equipment Testing Center, a unit under the ministry's authority.
The ministry will take firm action in the event of any digital platform failing to comply with the applicable rules, such as by cutting off access.
Related news: SOEs Ministry supports MSMEs in Malang to maximize digital technology
Translator: Natisha A, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
