The drive for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to enhance their competitiveness is gaining momentum. The plan is for 30 million Indonesian MSMEs to be connected to the digital ecosystem by 2024.
To contribute to this goal, the Kagama Bhakti Nusantara Foundation (YKBN) has established a digital education and incubation platform called “UMKM Hebat” (Great MSMEs).
The platform invited several expert speakers to shed light on the plan in a discussion called “UMKM Hebat Talk: UMKM Go Digital, Maximum Profit Business” on Sunday (August 13).
“This digital disruption has brought many changes to the society’s ecosystem and the business environment. We must utilize it as a business opportunity,” said the Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, MD, in her opening remarks.
“Being adaptive, collaborative, and innovative in developing knowledge and skills is the foundation for our competitiveness in this era. I welcome this UMKM Hebat discussion so Indonesian MSMEs can advance further.”
Since its establishment in December 2020, UMKM Hebat has supported thousands of MSMEs in Indonesia, whether they have grown through incubation processes or have been encouraged to enhance their businesses.
This motivation stems from the fact that 64.2 million MSMEs have contributed 61.07% to the national income. Unfortunately, the pandemic has significantly impacted 90% of this figure.
“I greatly appreciate the Kagama Bhakti Nusantara Foundation for organizing this discussion. I believe this activity aligns with what we are doing, transforming our MSMEs to become digital,” expressed Hanung Harimba Rachman, Deputy of SMEs at the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs.
“We hope that 30 million MSMEs will embrace digitalization, which is aimed at making them more productive and capable of providing higher-quality labor.”
He emphasized that Indonesia possesses diverse natural resources and resilient labor. This potential needs to be maximized so that the products produced are no longer raw materials but finished goods integrated with digital platforms.
Through this discussion, UMKM Hebat presented successful MSME practitioners whose products have been marketed nationally and internationally.
Dian Eka Purnamasari, the owner of Ketak Nusantara, a product based on environmental friendliness, revealed her innovation in every marketed product.
“Initially, I noticed that waste is one of the problems that is difficult to solve. Even in 2023, it was recorded that waste accumulation reached 18.3 million tons per year, and from there, Ketak Nusantara is committed to reducing waste by producing products made from Ketak grass,” she said.
Ketak Nusantara is made from Ketak grass woven into bags, tableware, containers, accessories, and more.
Purnamasari successfully developed this heritage business by targeting young people on digital platforms. In contrast to her, the CEO of Naruna Ceramic, Roy Wibisono Anang Prabowo, started his business based on his passion.
“It started from passion. So, if I were to advise, start a business with passion. Because with passion, no matter what, we will enjoy our work. If you’re solely focused on money, it will be difficult, but if done passionately, it will surely succeed,” the CEO exclaimed.
UMKM Hebat receives support from UGM alums and units to strengthen MSME growth. This UMKM Hebat talk will inspire MSME practitioners to design digital strategies and reach a broader market. Indonesian MSMEs can attract consumer interest in locally distinctive Indonesian products through these efforts.
Author: Tasya