ASEAN single market is already in sight. Currently, the government is
setting up small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) in order to compete. SMEs are
expected to survive, be a superior product, and be a belle of the ASEAN single
market by 2015. At least, it did not make Indonesia only as a market, but also
contributed products to neighboring countries. Some of the challenges to be
faced by SMEs, among others, include sharper competition in obtaining
resources, maintaining and enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs as a creative
and innovative industries, improving standards, design, and product quality to
match the terms of ASEA as well as diversification of output and income
stability of micro enterprises.
Wayan Dipta, SMEs and
cooperatives resource management deputy, ministry cooperatives and SMEs, in
Jakarta (Monday, 4/15), said that Indonesia SMEs in general will face many
tough challenges and more sharply in the current agenda of the ASEAN Economic
Community (AEC) implemented in 2015. Wayan suggests that one thing that should
be improved is in terms of design and product quality standards. At least in
accordance with the policies of ASEAN, such as ISO-26000. “Enabling this (ISO,
editor) is a challenge for us”, wayan said
Wayan added that the keenest competition is, among others, acquiring
resources to maintain and improve competitiveness of SMEs as a producer of
creative and innovative industries. Therefore, he said, the best solution to
face AEC 2015 agenda is to improve the ability of SMEs to take advantage of
financing facilities, including enhancing cooperation between ASEAN countries.
Wayan said that according to a study conducted by the ministry of
cooperatives and SMEs there are six recommendations given to Indonesia SMEs to
be able to still exist in the AEC 2015. First, to increase financial access.
Second, to improve market access. Third, to encourage SMEs ro do research in
order to give birth to innovation and creativity. Fourth, to improve
coordination and monitoring. And, the latest is develop ASEAN SMEs policy index
In order to maintain competitiveness of the product, he expects every
SME to focus more attention to regional potency and the direction of economic
development, capacity building for SMEs, and assistance for would-be MSMEs in
an appropriate manner and the application of supply chain management to remove
all obstacles. He saw that the condition of MSME 2013 has a major role to
national economic growth. Macroeconomic growth has brought positive results,
but he acknowledged that growth in the real sector mostly done by MSMEs still
needs to be improved further.
The same is expressed
by Erwin Aksa, chairman of board of trustees of BPP Indonesia young entrepreneurs
association (Hipmi). Erwin sees that there are many factors that make SMEs most
vulnerable. Among them, the development of SMEs ‘product innovation is not
optimal. That’s why Erwin said that there should be a pilot project in these
regions. According to him, there should be government intervention. If there is
no protection provided by the government, in addition to difficulty in
obtaining capital assistance, these are other causes that SMEs will be
vulnerable and will fail in the competition.
He added that
complexity will increasingly be felt by SMEs when faced with high bank interest
rates. Bank interest rate for SMEs is relatively high, at least 12% much higher
than in neighboring countries such as Malaysia, which is only 4%. In addition,
easy access to capital could also have an impact on the productivity and
creativity of SMEs. (E)
Business News - April 17,2013
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