Government Implements Policies to Boost National Economic Growth

INTI- Jakarta. The government has prepared various policy measures to ensure the achievement of the national economic growth target of 5.3% by the end of 2023. These efforts include stimulating domestic demand through household consumption and investment while maintaining external resilience through the export of value-added products.

"The existence of products with good standards will enhance consumer confidence, which in turn will drive increased spending and have a positive impact on the economy," said Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto during his keynote speech delivered online at the National Standardization and Conformity Assessment Meeting, held as part of the National Quality Infrastructure Festival 2023 on Wednesday (June 16).

Moreover, standardization can be used as an instrument to protect the domestic market. Developed countries generally prefer standardization over licensing to safeguard their domestic markets from an influx of imported products.

Standardization is an integral part of the broader National Quality Infrastructure ecosystem, which also includes metrology and accreditation. Apart from addressing its complexities, this extensive ecosystem should be viewed as an opportunity to drive the economy.

Currently, there are 2,998 Conformity Assessment Institutions (CAIs) involved in standardization activities, ranging from testing and inspection to certification. Most of these activities are already being carried out by private entities. This is a positive step that needs to be further developed to have a beneficial impact on enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy and improving the overall welfare of the people.

"The government continues to promote standardization by facilitating Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to obtain Indonesian National Standard (SNI) certificates through the SNI Bina-UMK scheme," explained Minister Airlangga.

The Job Creation Law has established a Single Business Permit system, where the Business Identification Number (NIB) for MSMEs will be supplemented with the SNI. In its implementation, the central and regional governments will provide support and facilitate MSMEs to meet the required standards.

Minister Airlangga also highlighted several areas that require collective attention. First, regarding the increase in the number of SNI-compliant products, SNI procedures should be made simple, transparent, and affordable. Second, the optimization of standardization as a consumer protection instrument and safeguarding the domestic market. Therefore, the process of developing standards should maximize scientific involvement. SNI should be developed by adopting internationally recognized standards while also aligning with the unique characteristics of the Indonesian society.

Third, in terms of metrology, the relevant ministries, agencies, and regional governments need to commit to effectively managing the supervision of measuring, weighing, and counting devices in economic centers to ensure the interests of the public are protected. Fourth, it is essential to build awareness that SNI aims to enhance the competitiveness of domestic products, not hinder trade. Therefore, government procurement activities need to be more sensitive to the implementation of SNI requirements.

The event was attended by various officials, including the Head of the National Standardization Agency, the Head of the Agricultural Quarantine Agency at the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Secretary-General of the National Standardization Agency/National Accreditation Committee Secretary. ***.Hans