PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Bandung City has been chosen as the first region to implement the Perintis Berdaya Connect program launched by the Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment (Kemenko PM). This program was conceived as an integrated or "one-stop solution" to strengthen the empowerment of MSMEs, the creative economy, cooperatives, and community entrepreneurs to become more productive and independent.

Leontinus Alpha Edison, Deputy for Coordination of Community Economic Empowerment and Migrant Worker Protection at the Coordinating Ministry for PMI, said the program aims to help community businesses develop through various integrated support programs.

"Perintis Berdaya Connect is a one-stop solution for central and regional governments to help empower MSMEs, the creative economy, cooperatives, and other community-based businesses to be more productive," said Leontinus, at the Bandung Creative Hub, Tuesday (May 12, 2026).

The program has several key pillars, ranging from capacity building, business access, financing, and market expansion. Businesses will also be assisted in obtaining access to raw materials, production technology, omnichannel marketing, business legality, and intellectual property rights (IPR).

In addition, business actors who are starting to develop will also be facilitated in getting access to financing so they can increase their business capacity.

Leontinus stated that this program aims not only to maintain community businesses but also to encourage them to move up a level. The indicators include not only increased turnover but also the ability to utilize technology, expand the workforce, and strengthen business competitiveness.

"We hope they'll not only maintain their businesses but also upgrade. Those who haven't used technology before can use better technology. We'll help those who haven't received financing gain access to it," he said.

He added that Perintis Berdaya Connect is part of the poverty alleviation strategy as mandated by Presidential Decree Number 8. The central government targets the community to not only receive social assistance but also become productive, empowered, and economically independent.

"The target for Indonesians is not only to receive social assistance but also to become productive, empowered, and ultimately independent," he said.

Bandung was chosen as the first region due to its strong creative economy potential, particularly in the culinary, fashion, crafts, and tourism sectors. According to Leontinus, the empowerment approach must be tailored to the characteristics and potential of each region.

"Bandung has a strong creative spirit, attracting tourists from various regions and even abroad on weekends. We must encourage this potential," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Bandung City Culture and Tourism Office (Disbudpar), Adi Junjunan Mustafa, appreciated the Coordinating Ministry for PM for appointing Bandung as a pilot project for the Perintis Berdaya Connect program.

According to him, Bandung City has significant strength in the creative economy sector, particularly culinary, fashion, and crafts. However, going forward, this program is also expected to reach other subsectors such as digital media and technology-based creative industries.

"We will collaborate on various opportunities to advance the creative economy in Bandung, guided by the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, and we will continue to disseminate information to creative economy players in Bandung," he said. (Bandung City Communications and Information Office/rka)