Many businesses have been heavily hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia, especially micro, small and medium enterprises. To support these businesses during the pandemic, the Cianjur District Office for Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises launched an online consultation program called OK UMKM where businesses can ask for advice as well as manage requests for licenses, permits, and other certification such as halal certification.

Instead of developing a new smartphone app, OK UMKM uses existing services where micro, small and medium enterprises are active, such as Linktree, WhatsApp, and various social media platforms. Businesses are then connected with support officers from the District Office for Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises through sending messages on WhatsApp, sending DMs on social media, or making a telephone call.

For micro, small and medium enterprises, the OM UMKM program will assist them to stay open and perhaps even grow during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From the District Office for Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises’ perspective, it is also hoped that through the OK UMKM program, businesses can be better monitored during the pandemic. This will ultimately enable the Office to provide better services, and in turn this will ensure that micro, small and medium businesses in Cianjur can make it through this difficult time.

Cianjur District Office for Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

The number and capacity of support officers at the District Office for Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises is limited, meaning that not all businesses throughout the whole of Cianjur can be assisted. Providing extra consultation to businesses during the pandemic also means that staff workloads are increased.