"As of December 2022, there have been 20.76 million MSMEs that have been 'onboarded' to digital (ecosystem), and in 2023, it is targeted 24 million MSMEs will enter the digital ecosystem," Cooperatives and SMEs Minister Teten Masduki informed.
He conveyed the information in his written opening remarks, which were read by the ministry's deputy for entrepreneurship, Siti Azizah, at the Purworejo Expo 2023 here on Wednesday.
"Of course, it must be accompanied by an improvement in MSMEs' capacity to carry out businesses digitally," Masduki added.
According to the minister, MSMEs contribute 61 percent to Indonesia's gross domestic product (GDP) and absorb 97 percent of the workforce. They also account for 16.65 percent of non-oil and gas exports.
MSMEs have a very strategic position and role in Indonesia's economy, he said. Currently, the number of MSMEs in the country has crossed 64 million.
Masduki further said that support continues to be given to MSMEs. The policy direction to increase economic added value in the 2020–2024 period includes the strengthening of entrepreneurship, MSMEs, and cooperatives, he expounded.
The transformation of cooperatives, MSMEs, and entrepreneurship covers the conversion of informal to formal businesses, digital transformation, technology utilization, market expansion, and the shift to a supply chain system.
It also includes the transformation of productive entrepreneurial growth and the modernization of cooperatives.
"One of the goals of the Cooperatives and SMEs Ministry, like the theme of today's event, is the expansion of market and product promotion," he said.
To this end, to support market access for MSMEs, several national programs have been launched, one of which is the digital transformation of cooperatives and MSMEs by helping them enter the digital ecosystem. That way, MSMEs can expand their market without being limited by location.
Through the written statement, Masduki expressed appreciation and gratitude for the Purworejo district government that held the expo to celebrate the 192nd anniversary of the district.
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Translator: Heru Suyitno, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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