The step is expected to ensure small businesses do not get wrangled in legal issues, like Mama Khas Banjar, a small shop in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, which is facing a legal case for reportedly selling products without expiration labels.
In a press statement released here on Saturday, Deputy for Micro Businesses at the ministry Riza Damanik affirmed that currently, many MSMEs do not have product legality and standardization, so they tend to lack full legal protection.
"There are still many micro business players whose literacy on business legality is still lacking. This condition makes them vulnerable to legal issues that can put their business at risk," he said.
Regarding the Mama Khas Banjar case, Damanik said that law enforcement against the violation must prioritize the aspect of MSME fostering rather than criminal sanctions.
"Therefore, to protect consumers while supporting the growth of businesses, the government—at both the central and regional levels—will continue to strengthen the fostering of MSMEs," he informed.
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He added that the government has appealed to MSMEs to comply with permit rules and fulfill product standardization requirements as per the applicable regulations.
He further said that his ministry will hold the Festival for the Protection and Facilitation of Micro Businesses, which aims to provide integrated services and empower micro businesses.
The festival will have interactive spaces to connect micro entrepreneurs with government services, legal education, and support for business development in various regions by involving stakeholders at the central and regional levels.
"This is a concrete measure to ensure micro businesses in Indonesia continue to grow and develop. Legality is not merely about compliance, but also part of empowerment and improvement of business productivity," he said.
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Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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