The Eid al-Fitr Exodus Bazaar at the KM 39A rest area in Bekasi, West Java, will be organized simultaneously at the KM 360A and 456A rest areas in Central JavaJakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Cooperatives and Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Teten Masduki stated that the Eid al-Fitr exodus period is an opportunity for local MSMEs to promote their products.
"(Promoting local MSMEs' products) can be done at the rest area that will be the travelers’ favorite spot to take rest during their journey to return to their hometown," Masduki stated during his visit to a rest area at the KM 39A point of the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road, West Java, according to an official statement of the ministry on Thursday.
The minister noted that Government Regulation No. 17 of 2021 on Toll Roads instructs toll road operators to allocate at least 30 percent of lots available in rest areas for MSMEs.
Related news: Use local goods to compete against foreign products: minister to MSMEs
"The Eid al-Fitr Exodus Bazaar at the KM 39A rest area in Bekasi, West Java, will be organized simultaneously at the KM 360A and 456A rest areas in Central Java," Masduki noted.
To further enhance the development of local MSMEs, the government also obligates operators of airports, train stations, and public areas to provide at least 30 percent of the areas in public facilities to MSMEs, he remarked.
"I also urge (public area operators) to allocate some of their lots for MSMEs, but they must not levy an overly-expensive rent price. The 30-percent minimum allocation regulation also stipulates that the rent price (offered to MSMEs) must be competitive," the minister stated.
Related news: Government offers rent-free stalls to local MSMEs at Mandalika MotoGP
Masduki expressed confidence that the recent instruction to the central and regional authorities to allocate at least 40 percent of their product and service procurement to local MSMEs will bolster the sector.
The minister then reminded MSMEs to ensure that their products are of good quality and packaging that will draw the travelers’ interest to purchase their products.
"Do not underestimate (MSMEs) souvenirs because they have huge economic benefits that will be the mainstay of the people's economy. Travelers (during the Eid exodus period) will seek souvenirs from their hometown. Hence, I urge regional administrations and relevant authorities to help MSMEs devise attractive product packaging," the minister remarked.
Related news: State companies should assist local SMEs: Minister Thohir
Related news: Local MSMEs' products able to meet domestic needs: Minister Masduki
Translator: M Baqir Idrus A, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
