Indonesia pushes creative sector SMEs to innovate and go global

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is stepping up efforts to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the creative sector become more innovative and globally competitive, while encouraging them to leverage digital content creation to expand market reach.

Director General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries at the Ministry of Industry, Reni Yanita, said on Tuesday, the ministry remained focused on accelerating SME development to create added value from domestic natural resources, generate jobs, and boost exports.

"In line with our duties and functions, our focus is on accelerating SME entrepreneurs, creating added value or downstreaming our natural resource potential, creating employment opportunities, and making these products go global," Reni remarked in Jakarta.

She said content creation capabilities had become an important added value for SME operators, particularly in promoting products and strengthening consumer engagement in an increasingly digital marketplace.

"Content creation skills are increasingly important for promotion, improving market acceptance, and maintaining consumer loyalty. But what is more important for an industrial entrepreneur is to continue innovating so that products remain competitive," she said.

Reni said digital content skills should serve as a supporting instrument rather than replace product innovation, which remains the key factor in sustaining competitiveness in international markets.

The Ministry of Industry also praised younger generations for producing creative and innovative ideas through digital platforms, saying their contribution will be important to the future growth of Indonesia's creative economy.

SMEs play a strategic role in strengthening Indonesia's industrial structure and driving regional economic growth, Reni said.

Data from Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency showed that the country had 4.43 million SME industrial businesses in 2025, accounting for about 99.79 percent of all industrial enterprises nationwide.

In the first quarter of 2026, SMEs contributed 21.71 percent of national industrial output and employed more than 13 million workers, underscoring their importance to Southeast Asia's largest economy.

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita previously said Indonesia's creative industry had significant growth potential as a rising number of young consumers increasingly shaped product preferences.

To address shifting market dynamics, the ministry, through its Center for Fashion and Craft Industry Empowerment, has continued to strengthen the capacity of SMEs in the fashion, craft sectors to better understand consumer behavior and formulate appropriate business strategies.

Agus said creativity and innovation must be accompanied by a strong understanding of changing consumer preferences to ensure products remain relevant and highly competitive.

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Translator: Ahmad Muzdaffar Fauzan, Martha Herlinawati Simanju

Editor: M Razi Rahman

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