The Importance of Strategic Partnerships in MSME Development

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 141 views

Corporate Social Responsibility Partnership of PT Perkebunan Nusantara 3 (Persero) with the Office of Cooperatives and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises in North Sumatra Province in the Development of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises in Medan City

Introduction

Micro and Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of the Indonesian economy, contributing significantly to the country's economic growth. According to data from the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs (2018), 98.7% of businesses in Indonesia are micro businesses, absorbing 89.17% of national workers. This significant contribution of MSMEs encourages the government to continue to strive to develop this sector through various programs, one of which is by establishing strategic partnerships with various parties, as stipulated in Law No. 20 of 2008 concerning MSMEs.

In this article, we will discuss the partnership between the North Sumatra Province Cooperative and UMKM Office and PT Perkebunan Nusantara 3 (Persero) in developing MSMEs in Medan City. This study uses descriptive qualitative methods by collecting data through interviews, observations, and documentation related to the partnership. Data analysis using CSR Implementing Framework by Paul Hohnen (2007) consisting of four indicators: planning (planning), doing, checking (checking), and evaluation (evaluating).

The Importance of Strategic Partnerships in MSME Development

Strategic partnerships between government institutions, private companies, and other stakeholders are crucial in developing MSMEs. These partnerships can provide access to resources, expertise, and networks that can help MSMEs grow and become more competitive. In the case of the partnership between the North Sumatra Province Cooperative and UMKM Office and PT Perkebunan Nusantara 3 (Persero), the two parties have been working together to develop MSMEs in Medan City.

The Partnership between the North Sumatra Province Cooperative and UMKM Office and PT Perkebunan Nusantara 3 (Persero)

The partnership between the North Sumatra Province Cooperative and UMKM Office and PT Perkebunan Nusantara 3 (Persero) is a concrete example of how private companies can play an active role in the development of MSMEs. The partnership aims to provide assistance to MSMEs in Medan City, including training, financing, and marketing support. The partnership has been effective in encouraging MSME growth in Medan, but there are still some deficiencies in the checking stage or examination of fostered MSMEs.

The Importance of Transparency and Documentation in CSR Partnerships

Effective CSR partnership requires high transparency and accountability. The absence of written documentation can be an obstacle in proving the performance and responsibility of the North Sumatra Province Cooperative and UMKM Office. This is important, especially if in the future problems or disputes arise related to the assistance given to the fostered MSMEs.

Suggestions to Increase the Effectiveness of Partnership

Some suggestions for increasing the effectiveness of this partnership include:

Applying a tighter fostered MSME selection mechanism. This is important to minimize the risk of uncollectible accounts and ensure that the assistance provided is on target.
Improving the documentation and reporting system. Complete and structured written documentation will facilitate the monitoring and evaluation process and provide written evidence related to program implementation.
Improve communication and coordination. Strong collaboration between the Cooperative and MSME Office and PTPN 3 (Persero) will strengthen the synergy and increase the effectiveness of the MSME development program.

Conclusion

The partnership between the North Sumatra Province Cooperative and UMKM Office and PT Perkebunan Nusantara 3 (Persero) is a concrete example of how private companies can play an active role in the development of MSMEs. By increasing transparency, accountability, and program effectiveness, this partnership can be a successful model to encourage economic growth in the city of Medan and other regions in North Sumatra.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The North Sumatra Province Cooperative and UMKM Office and PT Perkebunan Nusantara 3 (Persero) should strengthen their partnership by improving communication and coordination.
The partnership should apply a tighter fostered MSME selection mechanism to minimize the risk of uncollectible accounts.
The partnership should improve the documentation and reporting system to facilitate the monitoring and evaluation process.

Limitations of the Study

This study has some limitations, including:

The study only focuses on the partnership between the North Sumatra Province Cooperative and UMKM Office and PT Perkebunan Nusantara 3 (Persero) in developing MSMEs in Medan City.
The study only uses descriptive qualitative methods, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the partnership.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

Conducting a comprehensive study on the partnership between the North Sumatra Province Cooperative and UMKM Office and PT Perkebunan Nusantara 3 (Persero) in developing MSMEs in Medan City.
Investigating the impact of the partnership on the growth and development of MSMEs in Medan City.
Examining the effectiveness of the partnership in achieving its objectives.

References

Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs (2018). Data on MSMEs in Indonesia.
Paul Hohnen (2007). CSR Implementing Framework.
Law No. 20 of 2008 concerning MSMEs.
Q&A: Corporate Social Responsibility Partnership of PT Perkebunan Nusantara 3 (Persero) with the Office of Cooperatives and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises in North Sumatra Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of the partnership between PT Perkebunan Nusantara 3 (Persero) and the Office of Cooperatives and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises in North Sumatra Province?

A: The partnership aims to develop Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Medan City, North Sumatra Province, by providing assistance to MSMEs, including training, financing, and marketing support.

Q: What are the benefits of the partnership for MSMEs in Medan City?

A: The partnership provides MSMEs in Medan City with access to resources, expertise, and networks that can help them grow and become more competitive. The partnership also helps to increase the effectiveness of MSME development programs in Medan City.

Q: What are the challenges faced by the partnership in developing MSMEs in Medan City?

A: The partnership faces challenges such as the lack of transparency and accountability in the partnership, the absence of written documentation, and the need for stronger communication and coordination between the two parties.

Q: How can the partnership be improved to increase its effectiveness in developing MSMEs in Medan City?

A: The partnership can be improved by applying a tighter fostered MSME selection mechanism, improving the documentation and reporting system, and strengthening communication and coordination between the two parties.

Q: What are the implications of the partnership for the economic growth of Medan City and North Sumatra Province?

A: The partnership has the potential to contribute to the economic growth of Medan City and North Sumatra Province by developing MSMEs, creating jobs, and increasing economic activity in the region.

Q: What are the lessons learned from the partnership that can be applied to other CSR initiatives?

A: The partnership highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in CSR initiatives, the need for strong communication and coordination between partners, and the importance of applying a tight fostered MSME selection mechanism.

Q: How can the partnership be sustained and scaled up to achieve its objectives?

A: The partnership can be sustained and scaled up by strengthening communication and coordination between the two parties, improving the documentation and reporting system, and applying a tighter fostered MSME selection mechanism.

Q: What are the future directions for the partnership in developing MSMEs in Medan City?

A: The partnership should focus on strengthening its partnership, improving its documentation and reporting system, and applying a tighter fostered MSME selection mechanism to increase its effectiveness in developing MSMEs in Medan City.