Some time ago, I had an opportunity to work on a project and that’s where I got to know Gandeng Gendong. I think Gandeng Gendong is a brilliant idea. The Yogyakarta City Government took an initiative to fight poverty and improve people’s welfare by growing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Yogyakarta. All government agencies that organize events such as meetings, workshops, seminars and others, are obliged to use MSME catering service in Yogyakarta.
Ibu Asri, the coordinator of a MSME catering that joins Gandeng Gendong stated that this initiative has helped a lot of people in Yogyakarta. It allows people to earn a decent income. As a coordinator, she gathers women who wish to join the business. “We are always happy if we can get other women to join us and work together to grow this small business,” she said.
According to Asri, currently there are 160 MSMEs that provide catering services for Yogyakarta City Government agencies. Under normal circumstances, these 160 small businesses are overwhelmed with their customers. But during the Covid-19 pandemic, this business has slowed down.
I imagine, if every district or city in Indonesia applies the spirit Gandeng Gendong, MSME catering in Indonesia can grow rapidly. This initiative can help families to move out of poverty.
If 160 MSMEs catering service in Yogyakarta are overwhelmed by their customers – even though their clients are limited to government agencies) -, this means that this business is very promising. Imagine how many MSME catering can be established, how many families can benefit from this business and how powerful Indonesian small businesses are. I hope every city or district government has this kind of innovative way to help its people out of poverty.
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