Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said intellectual\nproperty protection gives small and medium industry players legal\ncertainty over their creativity and innovation while strengthening\nproduct identity and creating opportunities to increase economic\nvalue.<\/p>\n
\u201cIntellectual property protection is an important part of the\nstrategy to develop small and medium industries. With protected IP,\nbusinesses have a stronger foundation to increase product value, build\nconsumer trust, expand markets and improve competitiveness,\u201d Agus said\nin a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
He said industrial competition was no longer determined solely by the\nability to produce quality goods, but also by businesses\u2019 ability to\ncreate and protect their identities, innovations, designs, brands and\ndistinctive characteristics.<\/p>\n
Indonesia still faces challenges in strengthening its intellectual\nproperty ecosystem. The 2026 Special 301 Report released by the United\nStates Trade Representative (USTR) placed Indonesia on its Priority\nWatch List.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor small industry players, intellectual property is not merely an\nadministrative or registration matter. It is an asset with strategic and\neconomic value for business continuity and development,\u201d Agus said.<\/p>\n
As a concrete measure, the Ministry of Industry\u2019s Directorate General\nof Small, Medium and Miscellaneous Industries held intellectual property\noutreach and facilitation activities for small industries in Bantul\nDistrict, Sleman District and Yogyakarta City on Aug.\u00a026-27.<\/p>\n
Director General of Small, Medium and Miscellaneous Industries Reni\nYanita said awareness of intellectual property should be developed from\nthe early stages of a business because it concerns not only legal\nprotection but also an economic asset supporting business sustainability\nand growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith proper protection, small and medium industry players can reduce\nthe risk of counterfeiting and imitation while building consumer\nconfidence in their products,\u201d Reni said.<\/p>\n
She said protecting brands, designs, works, innovations and potential\ngeographical indications would give products a stronger foundation to\nincrease value, expand markets and compete nationally and globally.<\/p>\n
The ministry selected Yogyakarta Special Region, or DIY, because of\nits significant industrial and creative economy potential. The region\u2019s\neconomy grew 5.49 percent in 2025, with gross regional domestic product\nreaching Rp208.13 trillion.<\/p>\n
Manufacturing accounted for the largest share of the region\u2019s gross\nregional domestic product at 11.80 percent, according to the\nministry.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe potential is further strengthened by 419 small and medium\nindustry clusters comprising 12,977 businesses. This potential needs to\nbe matched by greater understanding and capacity to protect the\nintellectual property assets they own,\u201d Reni said.<\/p>\n
The Ministry of Industry is also promoting stronger protection of\ngeographical indications for handicraft products in Bantul District.<\/p>\n
Eight geographical indication products are currently registered in\nDIY, three of which originate from Bantul District: Yogyakarta Nitik\nBatik, Kasongan Bantul Pottery and Pucung Bantul Carved and Painted\nLeather Puppets.<\/p>\n
Secretary of the Directorate General of Small, Medium and\nMiscellaneous Industries Yedi Sabaryadi said intellectual property\nprotection provides various benefits, including protection against\ncounterfeiting, legal certainty for owners and greater security in\nrunning businesses.<\/p>\n
It can also create opportunities for commercialization through\nlicensing, inheritance and franchise partnerships, Yedi said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will assist in preparing the Description Document required as one\nof the requirements for applying to register the Muntuk Bantul Bamboo\nWeaving Geographical Indication,\u201d Yedi said.<\/p>\n
He also called for commitment from the Geographical Indication\nProtection Society (MPIG), the Bantul District Government and other\nrelevant stakeholders to support the registration process.<\/p>\n
Related news: Indonesia seeks stronger IP protection for export\ngrowth<\/p>\n
Related news: Indonesia pushes intellectual property protection for\nBaliem Valley<\/p>\n
Translator: Ahmad Muzdaffar F, Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/indonesia-strengthens-ip-protection-to-boost-small-medium-industries-1788346456", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }