The Indonesian government is stepping up efforts to facilitate exports from small and medium enterprises (UMKM), aiming to boost the nation's economy by opening international market horizons for local businesses. Recently, noteworthy successes have illuminated the potential of UMKM when provided with the right support, training, and market access.
One significant development occurred when two UMKM nurtured by Pertamina, Bali Honey and Made Tea, successfully exported their products to the Philippines. This milestone was celebrated with a symbolic product release by the Vice Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Helvi Moraza, on February 20, 2025, at SMESCO Jakarta. Fadjar Djoko Santoso, Vice President of Corporate Communication at Pertamina, declared this achievement as evidence of Indonesia’s strong competitive edge. "The success of Pertamina's partnered UMKM breaking through to the Philippines and other international markets proves they can compete globally," he stated.
The shipped products included premium quality natural honey from Bali and authentic Indonesian tea. Ismail, the owner of Bali Honey, shared his gratitude for Pertamina's unwavering support, noting it provided access to export training, legal assistance, and invaluable international buyer contacts. "We are very grateful for this achievement, and with Pertamina's support, we are optimistic about future shipments and market expansions," Ismail said.
Similarly, Ni Made Roni from Made Tea expressed excitement about the first export, seeing it as a chance to broaden their market reach and prepare for future shipments, potentially to various Asian markets.
Consistency of these exports is being secured through Pertamina’s comprehensive program of mentoring UMKM, which includes export legalities, strategic training, participation in international exhibitions, and community networking to share experiences and strategies. These efforts align with President Prabowo’s vision of fostering quality job creation and entrepreneurial spiritedness.
Another program supporting UMKM is the 'UMKM Goes to Hajj,' organized by the Financial Hajj Management Agency (BPKH) along with banks and Islamic financing institutions. This initiative aims to ease the exporting capability for UMKM by enhancing their role within the hajj ecosystem, particularly by enabling them to provide Indonesian culinary specialties like rendang to the Arab market.
Harry Alexander from BPKH highlighted this collaboration's strategic importance, emphasizing the potential for UMKM to satisfy market demands of Indonesian food for hajj, where such products can reach broader markets. He stated, "UMKM can contribute significantly during the hajj season, and we are committed to extending aid for them to thrive commercially and get potential hajj registrations."
The potential of Sumatra Barat's culinary offerings was underscored by Anwar Abbas, Chair of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah. He mentioned the diverse spice products, with rendang being just one of many, capable of engaging the global market and bolstering regional economic growth.
Pupuk Kaltim has also shown stellar commitment to empowering UMKM such as Abon Jaya Mandiri, derived from the regional cooperative Bina Sukses Bontang. They have made strides by exporting tuna flake products to the Philippines, illustrating the impact of corporate backing. Anggono Wijaya from Pupuk Kaltim stated this achievement manifests their commitment to local resource empowerment and global competitiveness.
The company's concerted efforts to nurture its partnered UMKM involve continuous guidance, ensuring their processes align with export standards, from improving production management to adhering to stringent packaging guidelines.
Anggono highlighted the long-term strategy for building competitiveness, and he expressed hopes for the continuous engagement of Pupuk Kaltim to keep propelling UMKM forward. "We wish for more local products to not only thrive locally but also on national and international levels by leveraging supportive mentorship."
On the regulatory front, the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) is actively encouraging UMKM to explore export avenues through established customs facilitation services. Padmoyo Tri Wikanto, Director of Customs Facilities, elaborated on the support they provide to help UMKM navigate export documentation and procedures easily. The DJBC provides export clinics where UMKM can ask questions and receive guidance on their exporting plans. Padmoyo mentioned, "There are numerous potential UMKM we are currently facilitating."
Through these initiatives, including the Export Import Ease (KITE) for small and medium industries, the government is genuinely aiming to nurture the growth of UMKM by fostering favorable conditions for exports. These efforts are seen as part of broader economic growth strategies, engaging various sectors under supportive policy frameworks to cultivate Indonesia's global economic standing.
Overall, the domestic push for UMKM exports reflects not only the potential for these enterprises to thrive globally but also the government's commitment to building resilient economic foundations bolstered by entrepreneurial vitality. The marked success cases signify what can be achieved through coherent strategies and active collaboration between the government and the private sector. With diligent support, many more UMKM could soon follow suit, brightening Indonesia's prospects on the world export stage.