Strategy for Empowerment of Small and Medium-Sized Industries during Pandemic: Study of Endogenous Development in Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi

This study discusses the economic development strategy carried out by the government of Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, especially for small and Medium Industries during the Covid-19 pandemic. Small and Medium Industries have become an integral part of the economic defense in the area. This is a policy study in the form of qualitative research. The primary data of the research is the results of in-depth interviews conducted with various small and medium industry players in the area. With the Endogenous Development approach, it is known that human capital is the main aspect of the economic defense of Small and Medium Industries. Therefore, policies that support the exploration of human capital have become a means of determining economic development during the pandemic. This study contributes to showing that structural patterns, with policy penetration, and cultural patterns, of social conditions that support human capital to grow are elements that cannot be denied in defense efforts or economic development in the regions.