Industry-MSME cooperation to reduce inequality

Jakarta, wapresri.go.id – To reduce the gap and increase the national economic growth, cooperation between large industries and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) should be developed.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla stated this during when delivering his keynote speech at the Indonesian Economic Solutions forum organized by the Indonesian Institute of Economics (ISEI) at Metro TV’s Grand Studio in Kedoya, West Jakarta, Tuesday (Aug. 29).

According to him, industry is important for the growth of national economy, but MSMEs are also vital to increase the income of lower-middle class society so that they will bring economic equality.

“We do not want to close this gap by lowering the big ones. However, we also do not want to be left behind because this can create problems. And our experience in this republic, the problem will happen if injustice arises, “said the Vice President.

The Vice President then encouraged large industries to supply their raw materials from MSMEs. However, he also warned, to be accepted in large industries, the basic components or raw materials of these small businesses must be standardized.

Earlier, Chairman of ISEI Muliaman D. Hadad reported that the forum entitled “Restoring the Triumph of SMEs-Based Industries” aims at building a stronger synergy between MSMEs and industry.

“We want to increase the potential and competitiveness of MSMEs so that they can become the backbone for economic equity,” he said.

Also present at the event were Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto, Head of Financial Services Authority (OJK) Wimboh Santoso, Deputy Finance Minister Mardiasmo, and President Director of Metro TV Suryopratomo. (RN/FM, KIP Setwapres).