Jakarta. The government recently reaffirmed its continued supports for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who contribute to the development of a sustainable industrial ecosystem.

Deputy MSME Minister Helvi Moraza recently visited the Central Javan village of Beluk to monitor the so-called "Help Me Grow" program. According to Helvi, this program is a concrete manifestation of small business transformation, particularly in the agro-based production and sustainable industry sectors. It also aims to support MSMEs to switch from manual production processes to technology-based systems.

"Our SIDT database shows that 94 percent of our MSMEs still have manual or semi-manual production. This results in low efficiency and productivity," Helvi said.

The Help Me Grow program provides the production equipment, technical skills training, and sustainable market partnerships that can help MSMEs tackle these challenges.

"This program not only empowers village communities but also creates a circular economy that aligns with the Green MSME policy," Helvi told the local villagers.

Collaborative models like Help Me Grow demonstrate that empowering MSMEs requires more than just capital. These small businesses also need mentoring, technology implementation, and market networks.

"We hope more Indonesian villages can grow their local economies based on their potential. We also hope they can spur job creation and strengthen national economic resilience from the ground up," he said.

According to Pemalang Regent Anom Widiyantoro, MSMEs serve as the regency's economic backbone. They are also Pemalang's primary job maker.

"The Pemalang Regency Government will keep supporting MSMEs through various programs. This includes providing them assistance at 0 percent interest," Anom said.