Bogor, Indonesia Sentinel – Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan appreciates the role of the Persyarikatan Muhammadiyah in Indonesia’s economic development. The Minister also encouraged members of the Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah organizations to support the government, especially in increasing the love for local products, and encouraging the competitiveness of native products.
This was conveyed by the Minister while attending the 14th Regional Conference (Musda) of Muhammadiyah Bogor Regency in Bogor Regency, West Java on Saturday (20/5).
“Muhammadiyah organization helped pioneer the independence and development of Indonesia. The government and Muhammadiyah can collaborate in implementing various priority programs of the Ministry of Trade such as partnerships for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), promotion of Muslim fashion, development of agricultural products, and market expansion to partner countries that have trade cooperation agreements,” the Minister said.
Zulkifli said that the government will continue to provide assistance to the community for partnership programs to improve MSMEs, including through the Muhammadiyah organization. “The Ministry of Trade encourages Muhammadiyah in mobilizing the people’s economy. One of them is capital assistance and partnerships with modern retailers for people’s stalls,” he added.
In this activity, Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan also revealed that during the Christmas 2022 and New Year 2023 periods, as well as Lebaran 2023, the prices of basic goods in various regions tended to be stable. “Alhamdulillah, there are no mothers who hold demonstrations, prices are safe and under control,” he said.
Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan added, in 2022 the trade balance recorded the highest record in Indonesia’s history with a surplus of USD 54.56 percent. “It is hoped that this year’s trade balance will not be less than last year,” he added.
In addition, he continued, Indonesia’s inflation is maintained at around 5.5 percent with economic growth of 5.3 percent. “To this day, people’s purchasing power and inflation are still quite balanced,” concluded Minister Zulkifli Hasan.
