On February 21, 2025, the Indonesian Ministry of Trade launched a groundbreaking program aimed at boosting the potential of small and medium enterprises (UMKM) through artificial intelligence (AI) training. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Google, marks Indonesia as the first country globally to receive generative AI training from Google’s Gemini Academy aimed at UMKM involved both in export and non-export sectors.
Putri Alam, Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy at Google Indonesia, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, "Google has a long-term commitment to help UMKM adapt to rapid technological changes." The training program is expected to equip these businesses with the necessary tools to navigate the often-daunting technological shifts shaping today’s economy.
"With Gemini Academy for UMKM, we hope to assist UMKM navigate technological changes and prepare them for an AI-centric future," Alam added. This program aims not just to improve productivity and efficiency but also to expand the reach of these businesses to customers both domestically and internationally.
To supplement the training, Google is also providing 500 scholarships for Google Career Certificates to personnel from the Ministry of Trade. This initiative includes courses on AI Essentials, one of the most popular offerings on the Coursera learning platform. Alam noted this as part of Google's wider effort since 2014, which initially launched Gapura to assist businesses transitioning online.
"This program then evolved to Gapura Digital, focusing on mobile site development to be ready for the digital era," Alam explained. The evolution of these programs showcases Google’s commitment to fostering advancements among Indonesian UMKM to not only survive but thrive within the fast-paced digital economy.
The collaboration has been welcomed by many industry stakeholders who see AI training as a pivotal step for UMKM. Enhanced AI capabilities can allow these enterprises to optimize operations, tailor marketing strategies, and improve customer interactions significantly.
Experts agree on the necessity of such initiatives, highlighting the growing competition faced by UMKM on both local and international stages. By equipping these businesses with AI skills, they can engage more effectively with consumers who increasingly expect personalized and responsive service.
Alam expressed optimism for the future, stating, "We hope this program will help businesses become more productive, efficient, and reach more customers across the country and the world." She believes this to be just the beginning of what could be achieved as Indonesian UMKM leverage technology to break through export barriers and increase their global footprint.
Overall, the initiative launched by the Indonesian Ministry of Trade and Google appears to be paving the way for significant advancements within the UMKM sector. This proactive approach not only embodies long-term investment in technological development but also signifies Indonesia's readiness to embrace the transformative power of AI.
For UMKM, the opportunity to learn and apply AI technologies could be the key to unlocking new markets and enhancing competitiveness. With programs like Gemini Academy, these enterprises may well be poised to take on the challenges of tomorrow head-on, ensuring they play an integral role in Indonesia's economic future.