The realization of National Economic Recovery (PEN) funds for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) has reached Rp52.91 trillion as of September 23, 2021, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, has informed.

“As of September 23, the total realization of PEN funds for MSMEs is Rp52.91 trillion with 27.39 million debtors,” he informed at a virtual discussion on ‘The Role of Banking in the Future Digital Ecosystem of MSMEs’ on Thursday.

In addition, he said the government has continued to conduct the PEN program by allocating a special budget of Rp95.13 trillion for the interest subsidy program.

“The interest subsidy program of the government’s fund placement in various commercial partner banks aims to support the expansion of working capital loans and the restructuring of MSME loans,” he added.

Furthermore, attempts are being made to encourage the improvement of MSMEs by guaranteeing working capital loans through Productive Aid for Micro Enterprises, cash assistance for street vendors and stalls, as well as final income tax incentives for MSMEs, the minister informed.

Moreover, there is additional support in the form of the waiver on the minimum bill and subscription fees for electricity that can be utilized by MSMEs, he said.

Meanwhile, the banking sector is also providing support for credit and financial restructuring programs that can be enjoyed by the business sector, he added.

“Per July 31 (2021), some 3.59 million MSMEs had utilized the program with a value of Rp285.17 trillion,” Hartarto noted.

In addition, through the National Movement of Proud of Indonesian Products, the government is trying to encourage the digitalization of offline MSMEs as well as encouraging national branding for prominent MSMEs in various marketplaces, he said.

“The movement is expected to increase the exports of MSME products. Currently, some 7.2 million MSMEs have been onboarding since the launching of the movement,” he added.

Furthermore, he emphasized that close coordination with all stakeholders needs to be maintained to improve the competitiveness of MSMEs.

“Various programs initiated by the government will continue to be strengthened and synergized with every stakeholder to support the development of MSMEs, thus the programs can increase the competitiveness of small businesses,” he added.

Source: Antara News