Limited mobility during the pandemic has an economic impact on the tourism sector, including MSME players. Citing a survey conducted by the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga S. Uno said that 23.1% of MSME players experienced a decrease in income and 19.5% of MSMEs experienced distribution barriers.
Surveys of a number of institutions also showed that MSMEs experienced difficulties in returning loans, paying operating costs and fulfilling raw materials, reduced customer figures and hampered distribution and production processes. On the other hand, citing the World Economic Outlook report, Indonesia is projected to record improvements and it is estimated that the Indonesian economy will grow 5.2% in 2022.
"As the world economy improves with the pandemic under control, Indonesia is optimistic that it will continue to move forward. The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy implements a recovery strategy by prioritizing innovation, adaptation, and collaboration strategies with the priority of rebuilding market trust so that people's mobility increases," said Sandiaga in the closing ceremony of the Syawal 1443 H Festival which was held virtually on June 9, 2022.
This is the right momentum to encourage the development of the halal ecosystem in Indonesia. For that, Sandiaga S. Uno expressed his appreciation for the steps taken by LPPOM MUI which consistently facilitates free halal certification to MSE actors. Halal certification is one of the needs that must be met in order for Indonesian products to compete in the global market. This is able to reduce development gaps and is useful in opening up business opportunities and creating the widest possible employment opportunities. (***)
