The Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) together with the Indonesian E-commerce Association (idEA) are helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to sell online in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ministry of Trade has issued Letter No. 77 / PDN / SD / 3/2020 concerning Assistance for MSME Players. This rule is addressed to idEA, asking all members to participate in helping to sell online.
idEA has also prepared a number of interesting programs for players in the e-commerce industry and the Indonesian people.
Chairman of idEA Bima Laga, said that according to Bank Indonesia data, e-commerce transactions during the pandemic had increased.
He expressed this in a Productive Dialogue with the theme of Harbolnas: Steps to Increase the Growth of Transactions, which was held by KPCPEN and broadcast on FMB9ID_IKP, Wednesday (28/4/2021).
"This is also encouraged by the Proud Made Indonesia program which was launched on May 14, 2020. Previously, we had a target of creating 2 million new MSMEs by the end of 2020, and finally to 3.8 million MSMEs that were incorporated in various marketplaces by the end of 2020. As of March 2021 the figure had reached 4.8 million MSMEs, "he explained.
idEA has continued to carry out a national online shopping day (harbolnas) program from 2018 to 2020. Nielsen's data shows that transactions during National Harbolnas continue to increase, from IDR 6.1 trillion in 2018 to IDR 9.1 trillion in 2019, and increasing to IDR 11.6 trillion in 2020 Harbolnas.
"Interestingly, now we are not only focusing on all goods but also prioritizing local products. In 2020, transactions for local products will reach IDR 5.6 trillion, ”explained Bima Laga.
Help Economy Recover
idEA as an Indonesian e-commerce association is currently focusing on the Proud Made Indonesia program and the momentum of this Ramadan to help national economic recovery.
"We see that in this society as a positive plan. People need to shift their shopping culture from conventional shopping to online shopping during this pandemic. Because what is happening now is that people tend to refrain from shopping normally like before the pandemic, especially the middle and upper class people, "added Aidil Akbar, Financial Planner.
The momentum of the online shopping program for local MSME products accompanied by the vaccination program was considered by Aidil Akbar as one of the triggers to revive the national economy during the pandemic.
"With the Proud Day program made in Indonesia, especially when the government provides a stimulus of Rp. 500 billion, it will really help the Indonesian economy through online shopping. Moreover, what is being purchased is domestic products, "said Aidil.
"To stretch the transaction, it does not have to be postage promotion only, as well as other promotions. The goal is for MSMEs in the regions to benefit, especially MSMEs selling in the idEA member marketplaces, "concluded Bima Laga.
