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Grab, Emtek, Bukalapak kick-start MSME digital accelerator program with vaccinations
Grab, Emtek and Bukalapak have joined hands to launch an extensive accelerator program dubbed Kolaborasi Nyata Untuk Masa Depan (Tangible Collaboration for the Future), or Kota Masa Dapan, targeting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) across the country.
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(Courtesy of Grab)
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rab, Emtek and Bukalapak have joined hands to launch an extensive accelerator program dubbed Kolaborasi Nyata Untuk Masa Depan (Tangible Collaboration for the Future), or Kota Masa Dapan, targeting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) across the country. The program’s three main priorities are vaccinations, digital platform adoption (using the Grab and Bukalapak app) and MSME empowerment through training and mentorships on how to grow their business with digital platform technology.
Starting in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, the program will continue to Surakarta in Central Java, Gowa regency in South Sulawesi, Malang in East Java and Pekanbaru in Riau until the end of December. Its goal is to reach 10,000 MSMEs.
Understanding that health and digitalization have become an important foundation for the people and economy, Grab, Emtek and Bukalapak started Kota Masa Depan with a vaccination drive for MSMEs. In addition, MSMEs who participate in this program will be able to reach millions of Grab and Bukalapak users throughout Indonesia.
MSMEs can also get new income opportunities by having a digital store that will help them maintain the stability of their business even during the pandemic. Under the third pillar of the program, Emtek, Grab and Bukalapak will combine their resources and expertise to offer training and mentorship programs to help upskill these MSMEs to be better equipped for the digital economy. Around 100 selected MSMEs in Kupang and Surakarta will also receive special training on business management mentored by Grab and Bukalapak, free mentoring for one month for design and packaging to marketing through social media and influencers and free advertising on the Grab and Bukalapak platforms. Five selected MSMEs will also have the opportunity to be published in Emtek Group’s media network.
The pandemic, which has been going on for a year and a half, has also affected MSMEs. Many cities in Indonesia need to catch up with digitalization, so the role of the private sector in supporting the government's efforts is urgently needed to accelerate this digital transformation,” said Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Teten Masduki. “We warmly welcome Grab, Emtek and Bukalapak's strategic partnership, that embraces MSMEs in small cities. I hope the Kota Masa Depan program will create more income opportunities for entrepreneurs and accelerate economic recovery in these areas, as well as the entire country.”
Neneng Goenadi, country managing director of Grab Indonesia, added: “President Joko [‘Jokowi’] Widodo recently said, ‘If we control [digital acceleration] quickly and appropriately, Indonesia has the great potential to become a digital giant in the world’. Grab, together with Emtek and Bukalapak, wants to reach more MSMEs, especially in small cities, so they can use technology and benefit from the digital economy while running their business on a safe and trusted platform.
“We believe that the big future lies in small cities. Thus, we hope that the Kota Masa Depan program can open the door to a broader market for MSMEs in small cities without them having to relocate, as well as create an impact on the regional economy. Digitalization has proven to have helped MSMEs survive during the pandemic."
According to Sutanto Hartono, managing director of PT Elang Mahkota Teknologi, the strategic collaboration of Emtek, Bukalapak and Grab will expand digitalization offerings for MSMEs through platforms in the EMTEK ecosystem.
“The digital ecosystem collaboration between EMTEK and Grab will give MSMEs complete access to our platforms, starting from logistics all the way to financial inclusion features through platforms such as Mitra Bukalapak and Grab Kios. Meanwhile, the strength of EMTEK’s media network will boost awareness to both consumers and MSMEs on the use of the digital platforms to the fullest.”
Rachmat Kaimuddin, president director of PT Bukalapak.com, said: "This collaboration continues our commitment to empowering MSMEs in Indonesia through digitalization. Kota Masa Depan, which prioritizes second and third-tier cities across Indonesia, is in line with our mission to create a fair economy for all, with the main focus on empowering MSMEs and serving the underserved segments.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has posed many challenges to MSMEs, which are primary drivers of the Indonesian economy. Through technology and digitalization, we hope they can grow stronger and develop in addressing these challenges. Bukalapak currently serves more than 15 million MSMEs; most of them are located in non-tier cities. Therefore, with the Kota Masa Depan program, we also hope there will be more MSMEs growing their business through digital acceleration, thus enabling them to level up.”
