VIVA – This year, the Ministry of Industry holds the Upakarti award. This award has the purpose to give appreciation and motivation to people who have been dedicated to the development of Small and Medium Industries (IKM) in Indonesia.
The Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said the Upakarti award was a form of appreciation to the people in developing and fostering small and medium industries in Indonesia.
"The Upakarti Award has been held since 1985, is a form of appreciation for those who people are achievers, and active in developing and fostering the small and medium industry sector in Indonesia," Agus Gumiwang said in a discussion themed "Upakarti, Strengthening Indonesian Small and Medium Industries, on August 8th, 2022.
During the discussion, Agus Gumiwang also said that currently, 1,130 people have received the Upakarti award.
"I hope that by giving this award it can increase awareness and provide motivation and community initiatives, whether individuals, institutions, organizations, or companies to play an active role in the development and empowerment of SMEs, in order to increase business opportunities and expand job opportunities throughout Indonesia," The Minister of Industry remarked.
Pelaku Industri Kecil dan Menengah (IKM) dari sektor makanan dan minuman
- ANTARA FOTO/Khairizal Maris
Small and medium-sized industries (IKM) have proven to be a strong sector facing the economic crisis, and have even become the backbone of the Indonesian economy.
Every two years, the Upakarti award is held by the Ministry of Industry. The Upakarti Awards are divided into two categories, namely dedication service and pioneering services.
The discussion forum was also attended by the Director General of Small, Medium and Multifarious Industries (IKMA) of the Ministry of Industry, Reni Yanita.
According to Reni, the Ministry of Industry through the Directorate General of Small, Medium and Multifarious Industries continues to improve the business capacity of IKM by providing intensive assistance, so that Indonesian IKM have competitiveness.
"We conduct guidance on what IKM are produced according to what is needed, be it from the budget of the central government, regional governments, and state-owned enterprises," Reni said.
The training carried out included holding a training for the E-Smart IKM program which aims to make IKM players master the business digitally. This program also aims to make it easier for the Ministry of Industry to collect and manage data on IKM in Indonesia.
After that, one of the recipients of the 2022 Upakarti Award for Dedication Service, Siti Saharja Mahindar expressed her gratitude to all the organizers of this year's Upakarti award. Starting from the Ministry of Industry, the jury, and others.
According to her, the award that she received further motivated him to help develop the businesses of IKM in her area, such as on the slopes of Mount Semeru, Lumajang, East Java.
Recipient of the Upakarti 2022 award in the Pioneer Service category, Taryono is also actively involved in fostering IKM, such as tofu producers and cracker producers.
“The form of coaching that I do is to provide guidance on hygiene and sanitation and not to use preservatives. Apart from that, it also conducts administrative training.” Taryono explained.
