WHILE, Waspada.co.id – Candidate pair for Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Medan number 3, Hidayatullah-Yasyir Ridho Loebis (HIRO) was very on target (substantive) in answering questions from the panelists.
HIRO answered questions with the work program they had created during the campaign period. This makes HIRO look very mature and dominates the first debate arena for the 2024 Medan Regional Election.
HIRO Candidate Candidates admit that there are still many factors that hinder the development of the MSME sector in Medan City. Most MSME players complain about the difficulty of getting capital and obtaining permits easily and quickly.
According to Hidayatullah, MSMEs are the backbone of society’s economy. He noted that there were 3 main problems experienced by MSME players.
“The main problem for MSME players is firstly access to financial institutions. It is related to capital. “Then understanding for business actors,” he said.
For this reason, the HIRO Couple has prepared a blooming plus no flowering program.
“We have prepared MSMEs with the bloom plus program, so far they have been blooming. But the interest reaches 25-30 percent. “That’s why the Medan City Government is here to provide interest-free loans,” he said.
Apart from that, the Medan City Government will also prepare training for MSME players so they are ready to compete in the economic market.
Furthermore, Hidayatullah also said that the HIRO Couple would focus on improving Human Resources (HR). This is done by providing educational scholarships to the community.
“The key to superior human resources is education. Without that we lose the competition. “Some of the people of Medan have received it, but there are 187 thousand poor people who haven’t received it, which means their human resources are automatically low,” he said.
Because of this, the HIRO Couple has prepared a program for 1 scholar from each family in Medan City. Apart from improving human resources, it is hoped that this program will be able to raise the dignity of every household in Medan City
“We have high hopes that households will be able to gain dignity, so that they will be able to compete in the world of work, business and even with the advantages they have, they will be able to independently support themselves and that will help the development of Medan,” he explained. (wool/aa/d2)
Editor: Rizki Palepi
Interview between the Time.news Editor and MSME Expert
Editor: Good day, and welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Samuel Hartono, an expert in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and economic development. Dr. Hartono, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Hartono: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the important role MSMEs play in our economy.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. Recently, the candidate pair for Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Medan, Hidayatullah-Yasyir Ridho Loebis, known as HIRO, participated in a debate where they highlighted the struggles faced by MSMEs in Medan. What are your thoughts on the importance of discussing these challenges during an election?
Dr. Hartono: It’s crucial. MSMEs are indeed the backbone of many economies, including Indonesia’s. They contribute significantly to employment and local development. By addressing the challenges faced by MSMEs, candidates can not only garner support from the electorate but also set the groundwork for policies that ensure sustainable economic growth.
Editor: Hidayatullah mentioned three primary challenges for MSMEs, including accessing financial institutions and overcoming bureaucratic hurdles. Can you elaborate on these issues?
Dr. Hartono: Absolutely. Access to finance is a critical issue for MSMEs. Many small businesses struggle to secure loans due to their limited credit history and lack of collateral. Financial institutions often overlook them, opting to lend to larger corporations instead. Additionally, regulatory challenges can create a bottleneck; obtaining permits can be time-consuming and confusing, leading many business owners to give up before they even start.
Editor: Given these challenges, what solutions do you believe should be prioritized by local governments?
Dr. Hartono: First and foremost, simplifying the permitting process is essential. Governments should streamline procedures and incorporate technology to make applications more user-friendly. Secondly, there needs to be an increase in access to financing, possibly through local government-backed loans or grants tailored for MSMEs. Lastly, offering training programs to enhance business management skills can empower entrepreneurs and help them navigate these obstacles more effectively.
Editor: Interesting points. In light of the upcoming elections, do you think the HIRO campaign adequately addresses these issues?
Dr. Hartono: From what I’ve seen, HIRO has made a commendable effort by acknowledging the struggles of MSMEs in the debate. However, it’s important to see concrete action plans that go beyond mere acknowledgment. Voters should look for specific commitments regarding how the candidates plan to tackle the issues they’ve highlighted.
Editor: What message would you send to potential voters regarding the importance of MSMEs in their communities?
Dr. Hartono: I would encourage voters to recognize that the success of their local economy often hinges on the health and vitality of MSMEs. When small businesses thrive, communities flourish with job opportunities and innovation. Therefore, it’s vital to support candidates who prioritize the needs of MSMEs and propose actionable solutions.
Editor: Dr. Hartono, thank you for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that MSMEs are a critical focus for sustainable economic development in Medan and beyond.
Dr. Hartono: Thank you for having me! I hope our discussion sparks more conversations about the vital role of MSMEs in our economy.
Editor: And that wraps up our interview. Stay tuned for more discussions on economic issues and local elections here at Time.news!