"The potential for a recession, an economic slowdown that causes loss of job creation and an increase in unemployment are handled with MSMEs, as MSMEs create 97 percent of jobs," he remarked here on Wednesday.
As a form of support, Uno affirmed that his ministry had readied several programs.
"We readied several programs to anticipate inflation and strengthen the supply, as well as make it easier to launch a transparent distribution chain, so that it is simple and fair based on digitalization. However, to deal with a potential recession, we rely on MSMEs," he remarked.
According to Uno, if a recession occurs, it will cause a decrease in business activities that can lead to layoffs. Moreover, inflation will cause all prices to increase. Nevertheless, MSMEs can still grow, as they are quick in finding export markets.
He assessed that the export programs of digital MSMEs are an answer to the potential recession due to a 35-45 percent increase in export markets currently.
"These exports increase our foreign exchange's strength and open up our vast employment opportunities. Mr. Jokowi's (president's) message is we need to join hands because we are currently facing inflation. Next year, there is a potential for a recession," he remarked.
The minister noted that the exports of Indonesian creative economy MSMEs had reached US$25 billion, and currently, the number of MSMEs in the country has surpassed 64 million.
The ministry has mapped five main markets for Indonesia's tourism: Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, India, and the UK.
He expressed optimism that Indonesia would be able to maintain the rhythm of revival and the momentum of recovery with the strength of its tourism products that are based on nature and culture.
"We are targeting that next year, we can reach five million (foreign tourist) arrivals, and this year, (the target is) 2.5 million (arrivals) from foreign tourists. However, what will really determine is our domestic tourists," Uno stated.
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Translator: Ni Putu Putri, Raka Adji
Editor: Sri Haryati
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