Jakarta, April 27 -- The government ensures the protection of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the expansive presence of modern retail, said Arif Rahman Hakim, secretary of the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises, in a statement on Saturday.

He made the statement to respond to recent reports about his ministry urging the owners of small 24-hour retail shops called " warung madura" to comply with local operating hours regulations.

"In principle, we continue to provide various support, protection, and empowerment for MSMEs, according to Government Regulation Number 7 of 2021," he remarked.

The regulation regulates issues related to the convenience, protection, and empowerment of cooperatives and MSM...