They have become more confident in the creative industry, which is healthier and better to replace the sex industry
Surabaya, East Java (ANTARA) - Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Teten Masduki has lauded the successful transformation of a former red-light district called Dolly Alley in Surabaya City into a center of creative economy.

In just four years, after the closure of brothels in Dolly Alley in 2014, the area has been transformed into a thriving micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) center, he noted.

"We and the municipal authority plan to make creative economy potentials in the Dolly area into Surabaya's economic might," Masduki affirmed here on Wednesday.

The minister said that huge efforts are needed to transform the mindset of locals and make them adopt creative economy as a new source of income.

"But today, we can see that the transformation yields its results. They have become more confident in the creative industry, which is healthier and better to replace the sex industry. This is an important foundation," Masduki emphasized.

The next step will be to unite the MSME actors under cooperatives that will support the marketing of their products to potential customers, including hotels, restaurants, and government offices, he said.

Masduki also highlighted that cooperatives could help MSMEs secure funding from banks.

"MSME actors should not sell the products by themselves; allow it to be purchased by cooperatives first. Hence, they will focus on their production, such as to produce good shoes or (products with) good designs," the minister said.

The Surabaya municipal authority is collaborating with the UK Embassy in Indonesia on the Global Future Cities Programme, with the latter investing 500 thousand pounds sterling, equivalent to Rp9.5 billion, in the city.

Meanwhile, UK Ambassador to Indonesia, Owen Jenkins, said that he is glad the UK Embassy is supporting the vision and mission of Surabaya city and the ministry.

He also expressed the hope that the program will be sustainable and help shape Surabaya, including the Dolly area, into a future city.

"I expect that this project will be successful. I believe its continuity is the most important aspect; we begin this project, but this is not finished yet," Jenkins stated.

Related news: Government boosts partnerships between MSMEs and large industries
Related news: Pasar Baru renovation in Tanjungpinang to boost MSME growth: Ministry
​​​​​​​Related news: Minister Masduki asks MSMEs to market products collectively

Translator: Maria Cicilia, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2023