The collaboration was made official in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing carried out by PNM president director Arief Mulyadi and BKPM deputy of investment cooperation Riyatno at PNM Tower on Monday.

Also attending the event was Investment Minister and BKPM head Bahlil Lahadalia, who expressed his appreciation for PNM’s collaboration. He noted that the collaboration was an important step to encourage MSME development through attaining business licensing, namely the Business Identification Number (NIB).

“Many of our MSMEs are still informal. Because of this, even if their business is good, they cannot benefit from access to banking such as the KUR [People's Business Credit] microcredit program. I am deeply touched on this matter as I was raised by SMEs.

For entrepreneurs, Rp 5 million is just a tip. For housewives, this is enough to send their children to school, so that they are able to create jobs for others,” Bahlil said.

Bahlil also asked for PNM’s cooperation in encouraging MSMEs to register their businesses so as to take advantage of government-prepared banking access, allowing them to expand their businesses.

“This is the responsibility of all of us. Trust me, we take care of the little things that matter. Thank you, Pak Arief," Bahlil concluded.

Based on data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Indonesia was home to 64.2 million MSMEs in 2021, accounting for 99.9 percent of all businesses operating in the country. With this amount, MSMEs employ 120 million of the 130 million-strong Indonesian workforce, both formally and informally.

Arief explained that PNM’s collaboration with BKPM aimed to enable 12 million PNM Mekaar customers to attain an NIB.

“We encourage our customers to increase their knowledge of the importance of having an NIB. As the legality of the business is guaranteed, they can gain access to increased financing facilities from banks, as well as the opportunity to receive training. With an NIB, businesses also have the opportunity to participate in government procurement of goods or services, thereby enabling them to improve the welfare of their families,” Arief said.

The process of attaining a NIB has been made easier, with only one individual representing a MSME needing to register. The only information needed is the individual identification number (NIK) listed on one’s electronic ID card along with a WhatsApp-connected cellphone number.

As of Monday, PNM had disbursed Rp. 132.79 trillion in financing to 12 million PNM Mekaar customers. Currently, PNM has 3,386 PNM Mekaar service offices and 688 PNM ULaMM service offices throughout Indonesia, serving MSMEs in 34 provinces, 443 regencies and cities and 5,640 subdistricts.

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