Indonesia taps tourism to power MSMEs, create 25.6M jobs

Jakarta (WNAM MONITORING):  The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s) and the Ministry of Tourism have agreed to collaborate to strengthen MSMEs located in tourist destinations.
In a statement released in Jakarta on Wednesday, MSMEs Minister Maman Abdurrahman said the collaboration aims to generate a broader multiplier effect, including job creation, revitalization of regional economies, and increased competitiveness of MSMEs in tourist areas.
He noted that the tourism sector offers significant potential and opportunities to drive MSME growth.
On Wednesday, the two ministries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on tourism and MSME development policy synchronization and support. “We are preparing a road map, and it is related to tourism,” he said.
​​​Abdurrahman expressed optimism that tourism will be leveraged for economic growth, as almost all regions in Indonesia have tourist attractions.
He said the tourism sector has the potential to create around 25.6 million jobs, and the government intends to optimize this opportunity.
“I hope this MoU can enhance the performance of tourism players and MSME entrepreneurs,” he stated.
With more than six thousand tourism villages spread across Indonesia, MSME development in these villages can be prioritized next year, he noted.
In addition to benefiting MSME players and boosting job creation, the initiative will also strengthen local economies, he said.
“This step is important and strategic. Collaboration between ministries and agencies is essential,” he added.