REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will emerge as the new source of Indonesia's economic growth, Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Agus Martowardojo emphasized.

"The development of MSMEs and creative economy will create new economic resources and jobs, as it has high economic resilience," he said at the BI exhibition of creative works in Jakarta, Friday.

MSMEs not only support the absorption of especially women workers but are also proven to boost the country's culture and tourism potential by helping to preserve the image of local culture.

He claimed that Indonesian MSMEs' products are among the many favored by foreign businessmen.

The role of creative products has been improving, with a gross domestic product of Rp852 trillion and absorbed as many as 15 million workers in 2015.

Amid the strong global economic pressure, MSMEs and the creative economy are believed to have stronger economic resilience, thereby making them major contributors to supporting stability in the financial system.

The exhibition, which was inaugurated by First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo along with the vice president's spouse Mufidah Kalla, features creative products from 521 MSMEs supported by BI.

The event is being held on Aug 18-20 at the Jakarta Convention Center and showcases a complete collection of woven fabrics, batik, and traditional handicrafts from all over Indonesia.

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