Minister urges Indonesian MSMEs to focus on quality, competitiveness

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Cooperatives and MSME Minister Maman Abdurrahman said the main challenge for the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises is improving product quality to boost competitiveness.

“We need MSMEs that can move up the ladder, innovate, and compete in regional and global markets,” Maman said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

He urged the public to prioritize using MSME products in daily life, saying it is both a choice and a responsibility to strengthen the national economy.

“If we want MSMEs to grow, we must give them room to develop—in homes, workplaces, and markets,” the minister added, stressing the role of consumer support in driving growth.

Maman cited persistent challenges for MSMEs, including limited access to financing, market connections, and low readiness to adopt digital technologies.

“Technological change, shifting consumer behavior, and market dynamics must be met with creativity. Never stop learning, improving quality, and expanding your market,” he said, urging continuous innovation and adaptability.

He highlighted that exhibitions organized by corporations, including state-owned enterprises, provide vital promotional platforms for MSMEs seeking market expansion.

One example is SMEXPO, held under PT Pertamina’s Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program, which supports MSMEs as the backbone of Indonesia’s people-centered economy.

“Through SMEXPO, Pertamina has helped tens of thousands of MSMEs in capacity building, marketing, and expanding market access, enabling local products to compete nationally and internationally,” Maman said.

Pertamina President Director Simon Aloysius Mantiri said the event connects MSMEs with global buyers, offering new business networks and export opportunities.

“We hope SMEXPO opens doors for Indonesia’s MSMEs. The courage shown by business owners today is a step toward realizing bigger dreams,” Mantiri added.