Data from the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises in 2024 indicates that 64% of micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) actors in Indonesia are women. This underscores the strategic role women play in strengthening household economies and empowering communities.
However, many women-led MSMEs still face numerous challenges, including limited access to information and training, a lack of product innovation, and suboptimal marketing strategies. As such, women entrepreneurs require support from the government, universities, and the private sector to further develop their businesses.
To strengthen these capacities, the Dharma Wanita Persatuan of Universitas Gadjah Mada (DWP UGM), in collaboration with the Directorate of Community Service (DPkM UGM), organized an entrepreneurship training session titled MSME Success Strategies: Product Innovation and Marketing.
The event at the DPkM UGM office on Thursday (May 15) is part of DWP UGM’s ongoing agenda to empower women economically through MSME development.
The Chair of DWP UGM, Indun Dewi Puspita, stated that the training aimed to improve women’s entrepreneurial capabilities.
“This activity is a form of shared commitment to assist our mentored MSMEs so they can grow sustainably,” she said.
She hoped that women’s involvement in MSMEs could help increase household income, enhance economic independence, and reduce unemployment.
“At the very least, they can become economically self-reliant within their families,” she added.
Secretary of DPkM UGM, Dr. Djarot Heru Santoso, explained that the collaboration between DWP and DPkM is expected to positively impact MSMEs, allowing them to grow and become more competitive.
“We want to encourage MSME actors to become more informed, scale up their businesses, and contribute to improving the welfare of their families and communities,” he said.
Srie Nurkyatsiwi, Head of the Cooperatives and MSMEs Office of the Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY), emphasized the need for MSME actors to continually enhance their knowledge and skills in business management, particularly in product innovation and effective marketing.
She noted that MSMEs are crucial in driving national economic growth.
“MSMEs not only create jobs and stimulate creativity within communities, but also offer tangible solutions to improving family and societal welfare,” she explained.
Nurkyatsiwi outlined various strategies for enhancing MSME competitiveness, including product innovation, packaging improvement, digitalization, and adaptive marketing. She also stressed the importance of courage in innovation and strong branding to compete in broader markets.
According to her, the government has introduced several development programs to support innovation and foster a conducive business ecosystem.
In addition to maximizing available resources, innovation strategies should include leveraging local environments for product trials and implementing proven ideas. MSME actors are also expected to effectively respond to customer feedback, apply minimum service standards, and incorporate creative and adaptive touches to enhance their products.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna