Creative economy could be the main pillar to develop an inclusive economic growth which benefits allJakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has lauded all parties who have assisted in the development of Indonesian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for helping improve people’s livelihood.
During the 3rd World Conference on Creative Economy in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Thursday, the President expressed confidence that the creative economy will positively affect people’s livelihoods due to its capability to grow beyond geographical, gender, race, and economic boundaries.
"Creative economy could be the main pillar to develop an inclusive economic growth which benefits all," he said while conversing with the owner of Bali-based "Kampung Souvenir" MSME, Kurniawan Purnomo, whose products have been exported to various countries and were showcased at the event.
The President also expressed the hope that other local MSME players will reach the global market and achieve the same success as Purnomo.
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"Creative industry is no longer (comprised of) local products consumed by locals, but creative industry can provide global products which people across the border can enjoy,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Purnomo, who shared his business history with the President during their meeting, said that digital platforms helped his business reach a new level.
"I opened the Bali souvenir business in 2009, and we recorded good sales until the pandemic struck, which caused my business revenues to fall. Fortunately, my business could recover with help from a digital platform with an export program, and my revenue increased to 200 percent," the entrepreneur said.
He informed that his products have been sent to seven countries, including Brazil and Mexico.
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"I am thankful that my humble products, such as rattan bags and house dresses, sold for tourists in Bali, can now be imported overseas," Purnomo remarked.
Moreover, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, said that MSMEs could become a formidable sector amid the threat of recession.
"Indonesia's MSME sector has contributed some Rp8.6 trillion to our GDP (gross domestic product), and the sector has absorbed 97 percent of the workforce. We believe that by cooperating to develop MSMEs, we can brave (recession) threats," Uno added.
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Translator: Alviansyah P, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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