Appreciating Collaboration between Government and Private Sector to Encourage MSMEs to Go International

By: Naurah Salma Amalia

In the era of globalization, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play an increasingly important role in the Indonesian economy. The government and private sector have synergized to encourage MSMEs to penetrate the international market, opening up new opportunities for local products to compete on the global stage. Various initiatives and concrete support have been carried out to increase the competitiveness of MSMEs, ranging from mentoring, training, to facilitating access to international markets.

Minister of Trade Budi Santoso said that the potential transaction value from business exploration (business matching) carried out throughout January 2025 reached 5.2 million US dollars or around Rp84.66 billion. This business exploration involved micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who collaborated with trade attaches in 33 countries to encourage increased exports. The Ministry of Trade targets the implementation of 33 pitchings every month to expand the reach of MSME products to the international market.

In each pitching, the UMKM mentor will present superior products that have the potential to be marketed abroad. This activity is expected to introduce more local products to potential global buyers and increase the competitiveness of UMKM in the international market. Through this strategic collaboration, the Ministry of Trade is optimistic that it will be able to open up new, bigger opportunities for UMKM in various sectors.

PT Pertamina (Persero) shows its commitment through the Micro and Small Business Funding Program (PUMK). One real example is the success of Kripik Tempe Kahla, a superior product of UMKM from Sukabumi Regency, which has successfully penetrated the Saudi Arabian market with assistance from Pertamina. Vice President of CSR & SMEPP Management of Pertamina, Rudi Ariffianto, said that the momentum of the first export of Kripik Tempe Kahla proves that Indonesian UMKM products are able to compete in the global market. Pertamina is committed to continuing to encourage its fostered UMKM to move up a class and expand their market reach through the social and environmental responsibility (TJSL) program.

In addition to providing export assistance, Pertamina also provides Kripik Tempe Kahla with training from the Ministry of Trade’s Center for Export and Trade Services Human Resources Training (PPEJP). This MSME also actively participates in various national and international trade exhibitions, which helps improve the competitiveness of their products. With ongoing support, Kripik Tempe Kahla is able to strengthen its position in the global market and open up new opportunities for other local products.

BRI is also not left behind in providing support to MSMEs. Through the BRI UMKM EXPO(RT) 2025 event, this state-owned bank provides a stage for superior MSMEs to expand their business networks abroad. The event, which was held at ICE BSD City, managed to attract more than 69,000 visitors and recorded transactions worth more than IDR 40 billion, as well as export contracts worth USD 90.6 million. One of the participants that stole the attention at this event was Balee Scents, a local brand engaged in the aromatherapy sector.

BRI Commercial, Small, and Medium Business Director, Amam Sukriyanto, said that BRI continues to strengthen the MSME ecosystem to be more competitive in the international market. According to him, to compete in the global arena, MSMEs not only need quality products, but also the right marketing strategy and access to global business networks. BRI’s support through various training and mentoring programs is the key to increasing the business capacity and competitiveness of MSMEs.

Synergy between the government and the private sector is the main key in encouraging MSMEs to go international. This collaboration not only provides training and mentoring, but also opens wider market access for local products. With more and more MSMEs receiving support for international market expansion, Indonesia has the potential to increase its economic competitiveness in the global arena.

In addition, the government continues to strive to simplify export regulations and procedures for MSMEs. This step is expected to facilitate the MSME business process and accelerate their access to the international market. Customs, for example, has adopted various digital innovations to accelerate the licensing process and strengthen quality control of products to be exported.

As a national energy company, Pertamina plays an active role in community empowerment and improving the national economy. Support for MSMEs is part of the company’s efforts to create a broader positive impact for Indonesia. The success of Kahla Tempe Chips in penetrating the Saudi Arabian market is real proof that local products can compete in the global market with the right support.