Klojen (malangkota.go.id) – In the economic structure of many countries, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector has been recognized as one of the strong pillars of the economy. In Indonesia, the MSME sector also has a strategic role in supporting the Indonesian economy both in terms of the number of businesses, contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment absorption and increased exports.
The MSME sector has also proven to be the most resilient in facing the crisis in Indonesia from 1996 to 1998. Unlike previous economic problems when MSMEs were able to become a safety valve and savior of the national economy, during the Covid-19 pandemic, MSMEs have become one of the sectors that have been seriously affected by their business activities.
This is partly due to the fact that most MSMEs are daily and rely on direct interaction, so that the government's policy regarding social restrictions... (social/physical distancing) in efforts to prevent Covid-19, it also affects low public demand.
For that, of course, commitment and support from various parties are needed to help MSMEs to be able to continue to grow and survive, especially in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. In relation to this, Bank Indonesia has always supported MSMEs to continue to develop their businesses so that they are able to penetrate the international market and can take advantage of digital platforms (marketplaces).
Sales through digital platforms are expected to be one of the solutions for MSMEs to continue to market their products and survive during this pandemic. One of the efforts made by the BI Malang Representative Office is to organize activities '2020 UMKM On Boarding Workshop' which was held online via the Zoom Meeting application some time ago.
This workshop is a continuation of the UMKM On Boarding Socialization which was previously held in February 2020. The workshop was opened by the Head of the BI Malang Representative Office, Azka Subhan Aminurridho, and was attended by 35 UMKM in the BI Malang work area consisting of UMKM fostered and partners of BI Malang.
The materials provided, said Azka, are quite diverse and tailored to the needs of MSMEs, including the Preparation of MSME Financial Reports presented by Mufarrohah, SE., AK. MSA., CA (Vocational Lecturer, Brawijaya University, Malang), Financial Access for MSMEs by Sugiarto Kasmuri (Head of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) Malang Office), MSME Credit Scheme - BNI Support for MSMEs by M. Bayu Dhirgantara (Credit Analyst, Bank Negara Indonesia, Brawijaya University (UB) Malang).
"In addition, there were also given Smart Tips on Marketing and Packaging MSME Products by Dias Satria, Ph.D, namely Lecturer of the Faculty of Economics & Business UB Malang & Founder of Jagoan Indonesia, then Product Photography Techniques Through Smartphones by Niko Nurdiansyah from Nicio Photography, and Collecting Customers on Tokopedia by Clara DN Prastika and from the Tokopedia Team," added Azka, Wednesday (03/06/2020)
During the workshop, he said, MSMEs were also accompanied by ten volunteers who were students from various universities in Malang City to facilitate the implementation of the material provided.
Through this activity, Azka explained, it is expected to improve the ability of MSMEs in forming product brand awareness. In addition, it is expected that workshop participants will be able to make financial reports and have access to banking, increase marketing and sales through online media in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic and be able to continue to grow and survive in the business that has been implemented. (say/yon)
