He then drew attention to the need for standardization, saying it is vital for enhancing the quality of MSMEs and protecting domestic markets from invasions of imported products.
Meanwhile, Ikrar highlighted that despite the huge economic potential of Indonesian MSMEs, many of them still have not obtained product distribution permits from the authority.
He pointed out that out of about 10 thousand MSMEs operating in the processed food sector, only around 6 thousand are registered in the BPOM database.
Meanwhile, the BPOM has so far issued permits to 1,700 MSMEs that sell traditional medicines, supplements, cosmetics. However, Ikrar said he believes that the number of MSMEs in the sector would reach thousands.
"In a bid to tap into this potential, we established collaboration with the Cooperatives and SMEs Ministry, considering that the BPOM's technical implementation units can only be found in 76 cities across Indonesia," he noted.
He further said that his side will collaborate with the ministry to provide mentoring and incentives to MSMEs to help them meet the requirements for obtaining permits.
The two institutions have also agreed to work hand in hand to augment human resource capacity in regions with the end objective of developing local MSMEs.
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Translator: Shofi A, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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