Jakarta. The Public Works and Housing Ministry has prepared business facilities designated for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to help them cope with the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said on Friday the business facilities are being built along border posts, toll road rest areas and resort places. The government also revitalized traditional markets to accommodate more small businesses.

"[The facilities are] intended to bring SMEs closer to their customers and allow them to promote local brands and products, including culinary," Basuki said.

New facilities are built along the Trans Java and Trans Sumatra toll roads. As an example, Basuki mentioned the rest stop at KM 429 on Semarang-Solo toll road, Central Java, where 11 SMEs occupied a culinary space to sell products and promote their own brands. 

The business facilities are expected to bring real economic impact to the surrounding community and serve as a platform for SMEs to promote their products, he said.

The ministry also builds “supporting infrastructure” for small-scale businesses around border posts, including Entikong, Arau and Badau in West Kalimantan; Motaain, Motamasin and Wini in East Nusa Tenggara; and Skouw in Papua. At those areas, the government sets up small markets for local traders.

In the remote Skouw border post, the ministry allocated Rp 117.5 billion ($7.5 million) to build a commercial area and a market center. At least 304 stalls have been built in an area of 3,600 square meters.

The ministry also builds market centers and creative hubs for SMEs at famous tourist resorts Lake Toba, Borobudur Temple, Mandalika Bay and Labuan Bajo Beach, he said.