Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) need to be empowered as they are the foundation and base of the national economy. MSMEs contribute 61 per cent to Indonesia's GDP and absorb 97 per cent of the total workforce.

"MSME empowerment is one of Kadin's main focuses. When Indonesia was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, MSMEs proved to be able to sustain our economy. This effort is carried out in various ways, such as training, mentoring, opening access to capital, and market access. In addition, the utilisation of digital technology is a major concern. That way, it is hoped that MSMEs can increase their capacity and expand their markets," said Chairman of Kadin Indonesia, Arsjad Rasjid, Sunday, (30/6/2024).

Kadin has shown this commitment at least since 2022 through the National Entrepreneurship Movement which is adapted in the WikiWirausaha and WikiExport programmes. WikiWirausaha is a platform as a directory for stakeholders ranging from MSME players, large companies, government, and other stakeholders to connect and support MSMEs to upgrade by sharing information about market access, access to finance, and knowledge.

Through wikiwirausaha.id, MSME players who are members will get education and training to access capital while building networks. To date, there are more than 600 MSMEs that have received training through the wikiwirausaha.id platform.

WikiExport is an initiative developed since October 2022 in conjunction with the Inclusive Partnership Movement. This collaborative initiative is an effort to foster and increase the capacity of MSMEs including in opening global market access.

Currently, there are more than 200 MSMEs that have received certified export education and training through the wikiexport.JP platform (wiki learn) and wiki Do who are ready to conduct business matching with potential buyers and overseas partners.

Kadin assists nine MSME players

Of these, last year Kadin assisted nine MSMEs to conduct business matching in Tokyo, Japan. They are Pipiltin Cocoa, Alko Sumatra Coffee, Sukkha Citta, Shiroshima, House of Tea, Balista Coffee Liqueur, Sambal Pecah, Jamune, and Ohana Mie. This activity is expected to book MSME exports to Japan of US$1 million.

In addition to WikiWirausaha and WikiExport, Kadin collaborates with various stakeholders in an effort to increase the capacity of MSMEs, including assisting MSMEs in the digital onboarding process so that they are connected to the digital ecosystem and providing free legal assistance for MSMEs in resolving business disputes.

"One of our advocacies is the super tax deduction incentive for companies that foster MSMEs. We encourage companies to get tax incentives from MSME coaching programmes because these programmes have a direct impact on the business capacity of these MSMEs," said Arsjad.