Contribution of SME and MSME Business in the Bandung Raya Region Against the Economic Improvement of West Java Region Before and in the Middle of the Pandemic Covid 19

Abstract

Small entrepreneurs who are often referred to as SMEs and small and medium entrepreneurs who are often called UMKM in the Greater Bandung area, before the Covid 19 pandemic, had a strategic role in improving the economy in the West Java region. Referring to the research that has been done, it is found that the small entrepreneurs are able to face the economic crisis, with the competitive advantages possessed by the products produced by these small entrepreneurs. It is best if the entrepreneurs by the local government in 3 districts, namely: Bandung, West Bandung, Sumedang and 2 municipalities namely Bandung and Cimahi get more attention from their respective regional governments. With the partnership of SME and MSME entrepreneurs in the industry, they have been able to contribute around 30.26% to West Java's GRDP for the economy of the Greater Bandung Region in particular and West Java Province in general. However, during the Covid 19 Pandemic, it experienced a decrease in its contribution to GRDP when compared to the time before the pandemic occurred. Thus it can be stated that these business actors from the SME and MSME sectors make a real contribution to improving the economy of the Greater Bandung and West Java regions. To maintain the role of SME and MSME business actors, government assistance is needed in developing business partnerships, especially in capital, online marketing, and other assistance needed by the sectorSmall entrepreneurs who are often referred to as SMEs and small and medium entrepreneurs who are often called UMKM in the Greater Bandung area, before the Covid 19 pandemic, had a strategic role in improving the economy in the West Java region. Referring to the research that has been done, it is found that the small entrepreneurs are able to face the economic crisis, with the competitive advantages possessed by the products produced by these small entrepreneurs. It is best if the entrepreneurs by the local government in 3 districts, namely: Bandung, West Bandung, Sumedang and 2 municipalities namely Bandung and Cimahi get more attention from their respective regional governments. With the partnership of SME and MSME entrepreneurs in the industry, they have been able to contribute around 30.26% to West Java's GRDP for the economy of the Greater Bandung Region in particular and West Java Province in general. However, during the Covid 19 Pandemic, it experienced a decrease in its contribution to GRDP when compared to the time before the pandemic occurred. Thus it can be stated that these business actors from the SME and MSME sectors make a real contribution to improving the economy of the Greater Bandung and West Java regions. To maintain the role of SME and MSME business actors, government assistance is needed in developing business partnerships, especially in capital, online marketing, and other assistance needed by the sector