PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of the economy in West Java. According to Open Data Jabar in 2023, the number of MSMEs in West Java reached 7,055,660. That figure increased by 5.83 percent from the previous year.

This was conveyed by the Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin in his remarks at the "Roeang Kita" UMKM Festival event while commemorating the 78th Republic of Indonesia Money Day (HORI) at Gedung Sate, Bandung City, Saturday (10/26/2024). The event was organized by the West Java Ministry of Finance.

"For today's activities, we really welcome it and we continue to encourage MSMEs, increase economic activities, which will ultimately improve the welfare of the people in West Java," said Bey.

Amidst global economic challenges and rapid social changes, Bey said, West Java MSMEs have great potential that must continue to be supported and developed.

"We encourage MSMEs (to develop), micro becomes small, then small becomes medium, and medium becomes larger. In the end, there will be more workers working in MSMEs," he said.

"In the West Java Trade and Industry Office, there is training (for MSMEs) for export. So we want MSMEs to not only be at a small level, but to be encouraged to continue to develop," he added.

Bey also said that the West Java Provincial Government is committed to providing maximum support, both in the form of policies, facilitation and access to financing.

This is an effort to strengthen MSMEs in West Java to be more competitive at the national and global levels.

"The MSMEs present here are those that are already good and classy, and are also continuously encouraged to be stronger and more innovative, able to compete nationally and globally," said Bey.

He hopes that this activity is not just a ceremonial momentum, but it will be a reminder of the long history of the nation's struggle in building a strong state financial independence for the welfare of the Indonesian people.

"I wish you a Happy 78th Republic of Indonesia Currency Day, which will be celebrated on October 30," said Bey.