The Importance of MSMEs for Poverty Alleviation: A Story from Indonesia

Objective: This study examines poverty in Indonesia from an economic approach and discusses the importance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It focused on the impact of these enterprises on poverty in the country.

Methodology: The analysis incorporated an autoregressive model wherein total workers in MSMEs and economic growth rate as explanatory variables. Annual time series data for the period of 2007-2019 has been used. The study also reviews the earlier empirical studies on the relationship between the growth of MSMEs and poverty alleviation in many other countries/regions. It represents the descriptive analysis of the explanatory variables and trends in poverty and MSMEs’ workforce. The poverty-reducing impact of the increase in MSMEs’ workers has been examined.

Findings: The result is significant which implies that MSMEs can play a very important role in poverty alleviation in Indonesia. The results of the study imply that a strong MSME base is required for the development of the economy and poverty alleviation in the country.

Noverlty: There are many studies regarding MSMEs in Indonesia. However, empirical research regarding the impact of the growth of employment opportunities in MSMEs on poverty levels in Indonesia is still very rare. Therefore, this research fills this gap and at the same time stimulates further research.