By: Cahyo Widjaya
The government is intensifying the MSME Training Program to increase the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) amidst the increasingly rapid digitalization. This step is a crucial strategy to ensure MSMEs not only survive but also advance and expand their market reach. Equipped with digital skills, financial management, and modern marketing strategies, MSMEs are expected to be able to face challenges and capitalize on the vast opportunities available in the digital economy era.
In East Java, the Office of Cooperatives and SMEs recorded that 4.6 million MSMEs have begun moving towards digitalization. This figure demonstrates a significant level of awareness, but guidance is still needed to ensure an optimal transition. In one concrete step, the Malang City Government, in collaboration with Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, held a training session at the Malang Creative Center. The presence of dozens of MSMEs at the forum demonstrated the strong interest in learning how to utilize digital technology as a new marketing tool.
M. Sailendra, Expert Staff for Economics and Finance at the Malang City Regional Secretariat, emphasized that developing MSMEs is a top priority for Malang Mayor Wahyu Hidayat. This aligns with the Dasa Bakti vision through the Ngalam Laris and Ngalam Idrek initiatives. Sailendra explained that this training encompasses not only theory but also practical applications, including digital marketing strategies, product packaging techniques, and the use of information technology. All of this is aimed at enabling MSMEs to expand their markets and increase their income.
According to Sailendra, cross-sector collaboration is key to MSME empowerment. He believes the private sector, media, educational institutions, and local communities must participate if they are to ensure MSMEs truly grow and compete. The focus of this training is indeed directed at strengthening digital skills, including the use of social media, online sales platforms, and artificial intelligence technology. Sailendra also expressed appreciation for Indosat’s contribution to driving inclusive economic growth in Malang.
Fahri Sanad, AVP of Brand Activation, Digital, and Social Media for Indosat, explained that the training emphasizes the use of the latest technology. According to him, many MSMEs already use Instagram but don’t yet understand how to maximize their use of the platform. Therefore, his team wants to encourage MSMEs to be more savvy in using various digital applications, artificial intelligence, and modern marketing strategies. Fahri added that a similar training program has also been implemented in Surabaya. MCC itself is considered a strategic platform for strengthening the sustainability of this type of training.
Fahri emphasized that monthly evaluations will be conducted with Rumah Digital Literacy to monitor participants’ implementation of the training materials. For him, the main goal is to empower MSMEs, not just provide short-term training. This program is designed to be sustainable so that business owners can truly advance. Collaboration between the government, service providers, and the community is expected to strengthen MSMEs in East Java as a whole.
MSME empowerment efforts are not only evident in East Java, but also in North Jakarta. The North Jakarta City Government is conducting digital literacy training in collaboration with the North Jakarta Regional Office of the Directorate General of Taxes and the Kwik Kian Gie Institute of Business and Informatics. North Jakarta Mayor Hendra Hidayat, when opening the event, stated that the program not only aimed to broaden knowledge but also provide practical skills for MSMEs. Hendra encouraged all parties to use this activity as a shared momentum to build a digital ecosystem that strengthens the local economy.
Sony Agustinus, Head of the Counseling, Services, and Public Relations Division of the North Jakarta Regional Office of the Directorate General of Taxes (DGT), also supported the training. He explained that dozens of MSMEs in his area were equipped with various knowledge on digital marketing, financial literacy, and activating DGT coretax accounts.
Sonny emphasized that the goal of this training is to enable MSMEs to grow together, not just by selling products but also by creating a pleasant experience for buyers. He described the theme “Go Digital, Grow Together” as a concrete step towards collaboration between the government, universities, and MSMEs for economic independence.
Sonny hopes the activity will have a tangible impact by improving the skills, knowledge, and experience of the participants. He also expressed his appreciation for the synergy and collaboration established in the program’s implementation.
Sarah, one of the participating MSMEs, found the training very beneficial. According to him, the insight gained is not only about product marketing, but also management.Financial literacy, tax understanding, and the interconnectedness of various other aspects that support business. For Sarah, this experience is invaluable in the struggle to advance small businesses so they can compete in a wider market.
The MSME training program, which the government continues to intensify, is ultimately not just a routine activity, but a long-term investment in the national economy. With full support from various parties, including the government, the private sector, educational institutions, and local communities, MSMEs can transform to become more adaptive to changing times. The digitalization driven by this training opens up new opportunities for small business owners to reach a wider market, increase revenue, and strengthen their position in the economic chain.
Therefore, it is crucial for all parties to not stop at training alone but also ensure sustainability and consistent mentoring. MSMEs are the backbone of the nation’s economy, so strengthening their competitiveness means strengthening the foundation of the Indonesian economy as a whole. Now is the time for every MSME to seize this opportunity, continue learning, and innovate to move up a level and make a real contribution to inclusive and sustainable economic development.
*) Researcher on People’s Economy
