Malang – The government has reiterated its efforts to strengthen the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the driving force of national economic equality through various technology-based strategic programs and supply chain strengthening. This was conveyed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (Sesmen UMKM), Arif Rahman Hakim, after visiting the Metro Mesin workshop in Malang City, East Java.
On the occasion, Arif Rahman Hakim emphasized that appropriate technology is an important foundation to ensure that MSMEs can transform and make a greater contribution to economic equality.
“If MSMEs want to mass produce, economies of scale must be achieved to lower production costs. One way is to use appropriate technology-based tools to increase production capacity,” he said.
According to Arif, Secretary of the Ministry of MSMEs, appropriate technology is not just about modern machinery, but rather innovative solutions designed to meet community needs and business scale. He cited the example of many home industries in the agricultural sector now capable of producing hundreds of units per day after implementing simple yet effective technology.
“With the right tools, production can increase manyfold and product pricing can become more efficient. This is clear evidence that appropriate technology helps MSMEs advance and expand their contribution to economic equality,” he said.
To strengthen the position of MSMEs as a pillar of economic equality, Arif revealed that the Ministry of MSMEs will intensify its industrial supply chain strengthening program in 2025 through Non-Physical Special Allocation Fund (DAK) financing in collaboration with the East Java Provincial Government. This program includes training for 4,649 participants, mentoring by 198 experts, and business incubation for 75 leading tenants.
“Connecting MSMEs with large industries is expected to strengthen local supply chains and reduce dependence on external sources. This will increase regional economic resilience and enhance economic equality,” said Arif Rahman Hakim.
He also added that mastering digital technology and improving product quality are key focuses to ensure MSMEs are able to penetrate both domestic and international markets.
In addition to government support, industry players are also playing a role in advancing MSMEs through accessible technological solutions. Metro Mesin owner, Hadi Apriliawan, stated that appropriate technology is designed to be tailored to user needs.
“The advantage is that it can adapt to customer needs. With the implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT), production processes are faster and output increases,” said Hadi Apriliawan.
Through synergy between the government, businesses, and technological innovation, MSMEs are increasingly solidifying as a key pillar of national economic equality. This initiative is expected to drive inclusive, equitable, and sustainable economic growth across Indonesia.
