Supporting MSMEs, KAI Holds “Dodolan neng Lawang Sewu” Exhibition

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are one of the key drivers of Indonesia's national economy. Therefore, various efforts are needed to ensure that MSMEs continue to grow and develop despite the challenges brought by the pandemic. Support from various stakeholders, including assistance in promoting and marketing MSME products, is essential to help businesses recover and continue innovating in the post-pandemic period.

This commitment was demonstrated by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero). To help its MSME partners expand the market for their products, KAI organized an MSME exhibition at the courtyard of Lawang Sewu in Semarang, Central Java, for two days from Saturday (30/10) to Sunday (31/10). The exhibition was open to the public from 09:00 to 14:35 WIB on Saturday and from 09:00 to 12:15 WIB on Sunday.

The exhibition, themed "Dodolan neng Lawang Sewu," featured 20 MSMEs partnered with KAI from various regions, including Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, and East Java. A wide range of products was showcased, including fashion, handicrafts, food, and beverages. In addition to visiting the exhibition booths, visitors enjoyed various entertainment programs such as an MSME fashion show, talk shows, and performances by Loc Entertain and MOT Band Semarang.

Visitors wishing to attend the exhibition were required to have received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and have the PeduliLindungi application installed. To ensure a safe and comfortable experience, Lawang Sewu was equipped with handwashing stations and hand sanitizer facilities. KAI invited the public to visit the "Dodolan neng Lawang Sewu" MSME exhibition while also enjoying the historical attraction of Lawang Sewu, with strict adherence to health protocols.

"We hope this exhibition will support the growth of local MSMEs, especially during the current pandemic, so they can confidently showcase their products, recover, and help drive the economy back to normal," said KAI Vice President Public Relations Joni Martinus.

Currently, KAI has 791 MSME partners across various cities, operating in sectors such as manufacturing, trade, agriculture, livestock, plantations, fisheries, and services. To improve MSME productivity, KAI has organized various development programs, including training by industry practitioners and academics on crisis management, halal supervision, BNSP LSP certification, and product marketing through the PaDi MSME marketplace.

During 2020 and 2021, KAI distributed Rp18,915,859,945 to support its MSME partners. This demonstrates KAI's strong commitment to empowering MSMEs throughout Indonesia.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped KAI from supporting MSMEs. KAI's commitment has also received recognition from various organizations. In 2021, KAI received several awards, including Best State-Owned Transportation Company for MSME Development under the Partnership and Community Development Program (PKBL) at the 8th UNS SME's Awards organized by Sebelas Maret University in August 2021, the Bisnis Indonesia Corporate Social Responsibility Award (BISRA) 2021, the Top Corporate Social Responsibility Awards 2021, and the Indonesia Green Awards (IGA) 2021.

"KAI will continue to contribute to the development of MSMEs so they can continue to grow, thrive, and compete in Indonesia's national industry," Joni concluded. (Public Relations KAI)