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The Upakarti Award 2024 Is Here, And The Ministry Of Industry Is Selecting Hundreds Of IKM Empowerers

To empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the government can't do it alone; it needs support from various parties. The Ministry of Industry is actively collaborating with stakeholders from different sectors, including private entities and individuals. This teamwork aims to broaden the benefits generated by business units while enhancing the capacity and skills of SMEs across various regions.

"We recognize that outside the government, there are many individuals and organizations that have played a crucial role in motivating, mentoring, and empowering SMEs in remote areas through their business initiatives. These efforts significantly contribute to improving SME capabilities, regional development, and even national economic growth," said Reni Yanita, the Director General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries (IKMA), in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday (30/10).

Reni pointed out that numerous individuals, institutions, or community organizations have been working to provide solutions to local issues by empowering local SMEs. "Some have formed cooperatives for partner SMEs, offered product innovation training, provided capital assistance, tools, and ongoing support to help these SMEs boost their competitiveness," she explained.

To recognize the participation and collaboration of SME activists, the Ministry of Industry consistently holds the Upakarti Award every two years. Established in 1985, the Upakarti Award honors those who excel, contribute, and actively engage in the development and empowerment of small and medium industries. The award's organization is governed by the Minister of Industry Regulation Number 5 of 2020 regarding the Upakarti Award.

The Upakarti Award is not just a way to show appreciation; it aims to encourage individuals, institutions, or community organizations to actively engage in empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) around them. This, in turn, opens up more business opportunities and job prospects across Indonesia, according to Reni.

The Upakarti Award has two categories: service to the community and pioneering service. The service to the community category is awarded to Indonesian citizens or organizations based in Indonesia whose primary roles do not involve the development and empowerment of SMEs.

On the other hand, the pioneering service category is for medium to large companies based in Indonesia that contribute to the development and empowerment of SMEs by fostering partnerships and strengthening connections based on mutual benefit.

The 2024 Upakarti Award process kicked off with an announcement at the end of February. Registration is open from May 26 to August 26, 2024, via the website upakarti.kemenperin.go.id. The Ministry of Industry, through the Directorate General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries, will conduct administrative selection, substance evaluation, and field assessments for the participants.

Reni mentioned that during the three-month registration period, there were 247 nominations for the Upakarti Award across both categories: 85 for pioneering service and 162 for community service. After the administrative selection, 75 nominations moved on to the next stage. "The substance evaluation will further narrow down the selected participants," she said.

Following the substance evaluation, the Directorate General of IKMA will conduct field reviews for those who meet the passing grade in the substance assessment.

Tag: IKM Ministry Of Industry Upakarti Award 2024