Continue Supporting MSME Development, KAI Receives Award

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) continues to empower and strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through various mentoring programs and business development assistance.

For these efforts, KAI received the Best State-Owned Transportation Company Implementing the Partnership and Community Development Program (PKBL) for MSME Development award at the 8th UNS SME's Awards. The award ceremony was organized virtually by Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Surakarta, on Wednesday (18/8).

The award was received directly by KAI President Director Didiek Hartantyo and presented by the Rector of Universitas Sebelas Maret, Prof. Dr. Jamal Wiwoho, S.H., M.Hum.

"I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Rector of UNS and the entire committee of the 8th UNS SME's Awards for this recognition. This award will further motivate KAI to continue contributing to the development of MSMEs," said KAI President Director Didiek Hartantyo.

To improve MSME productivity, KAI has implemented various development programs, including training delivered by practitioners and academics on crisis management, business finance fundamentals, and digital marketing. Other initiatives include business certification programs, the MSME On Station program, and corporate procurement from MSMEs.

Currently, KAI supports 2,544 fostered MSMEs across various cities, operating in sectors such as manufacturing, trade, agriculture, livestock, plantations, fisheries, and services.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, KAI has remained committed to supporting MSMEs. The company has provided loan repayment stimulus and relaxation programs for its fostered partners affected by the pandemic. KAI also procured personal protective equipment (PPE) from its fostered MSMEs and assisted businesses in transitioning from conventional offline sales to online marketplaces.

From January to July 2021, KAI allocated Rp1.345 billion to support its MSME development programs. This represented a 140% increase compared to the Rp560 million allocated during the same period in 2020, demonstrating KAI's strong commitment to supporting Indonesian MSMEs.

KAI's contribution to the MSME sector has also been recognized through several prestigious awards in 2021, including the Bisnis Indonesia Corporate Social Responsibility Award (BISRA) 2021, Top Corporate Social Responsibility Awards 2021, and the Indonesia Green Awards (IGA) 2021.

"We hope KAI will continue contributing to the development of Indonesian MSMEs so they can grow, thrive, and compete in the national industrial sector," Didiek concluded.

Rector of Universitas Sebelas Maret, Prof. Dr. Jamal Wiwoho, S.H., M.Hum., stated that the award was presented as an appreciation for individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment and performance in supporting MSME development.

"The serious and continuous efforts made by the award recipients to help save Indonesian MSMEs from economic hardship and the threat of bankruptcy, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, deserve recognition," said Jamal. (Public Relations KAI)