By: Ajeng Mufadillah
The progress of digital technology is driving change in many lines of life. This includes changes in the marketing of products and tastes to consumer behavior.
In Indonesia, small and medium enterprises (UKM) are the backbone of the national economy. Therefore, in order to be able to compete and remain relevant to these changes, UKM are encouraged to not hesitate to use digital technology.
Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (UKM Menkop) Anak Agung Ngurah Puspayoga said, in an era of technological advancements like today, becoming an entrepreneur is not a difficult job. Because, marketing products and services is now only in the grip.
Puspayoga said that now is a new era of entrepreneurship. In the past we had to have a shop to sell goods, if we wanted to become a hotel entrepreneur we had to build a hotel. When I want to be a taxi businessman must have a taxi. Now everyone can have a store that is managed in their hands.
Meanwhile, Head of the Bali Province Cooperative and SME Office I Gede Indra Dewa Putra explained, so that UKM can continue to grow, then UKM must take advantage of the development of information and technology.
Because, now the trade flow has changed. Consumers, especially the younger generation, said Indra, like speed, accuracy and ease in obtaining products. This can be realized if UKM use digital technology to market their products.
Indra said, it is important for the synergy between the government and the business world to continue to assist UKM in facing changing times.
The Head of Regional Relations and CSR of PT HM Sampoerna Tbk Ervin L Pakpahan explained, his side through the Entrepreneurship Training Center (PPK) Sampoerna held an integrated training. The aim is to encourage the growth and development of UKM.With this, Sampoerna is expected to help UKM to be able to respond to disruptive conditions driven by the development of digital technology. This is also an important part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, especially in opening opportunities to expand the marketing range of their products, even abroad.