Pontianak. West Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Maman Abdurrahman has encouraged the strengthening of priority commodity clusters in West Kalimantan as a strategy to enhance the region’s economic competitiveness.

“We are collaborating with the West Kalimantan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) to map existing challenges and accelerate solutions for MSMEs, especially in leading sectors with strong potential to drive the regional economy,” Abdurrahman said here on Sunday.

He explained that West Kalimantan has several high-value commodities currently prioritized for cluster development, including kratom, arowana fish, and processed tilapia products.

These commodities, he noted, are considered capable of generating significant multiplier effects for local communities.

“These leading commodities have shown positive impacts on West Kalimantan’s economic growth. Therefore, we are identifying their obstacles, ranging from financing issues to technological needs, so we can offer solutions,” he stated.

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The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring easier access to financing through the Smallholder Business Credit (KUR) scheme.

He said KUR with a ceiling from Rp1 million to Rp100 million is disbursed without collateral, as guarantees are covered by credit guarantee institutions such as Jamkrindo, Askrindo, or regional guarantee agencies.

His team has conducted sudden inspections of several distributing banks that still require collateral for KUR under Rp100 million.

“That is clearly prohibited. We are enforcing regulations to ensure compliance,” he said.

However, he reminded MSME actors to remain disciplined and responsible in meeting their repayment obligations.

Meanwhile, West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan expressed appreciation to the central government for its concrete support for MSMEs, describing them as economic heroes who helped restore the region’s economy after the pandemic.

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Translator: Rendra, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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