DJKI and BRIN Encourage Bali SMEs to Protect Intellectual Property
The philosopher Baruch Spinoza wrote, “Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is a virtue.”
Director General of Intellectual Property at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Hermansyah Siregar, emphasised the importance of intellectual property (IP) protection for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) during the Dialogue Forum on Intellectual Property Rights and Business Management in Bali on Wednesday (1 April 2026). This event forms part of the government’s strategic efforts to strengthen MSME competitiveness through optimal utilisation and protection of IP.
In his presentation at the Wyndham Tamansari Jivva Resort Bali, Hermansyah asserted that intellectual property plays a strategic role in supporting business sustainability, particularly for MSMEs based on creativity and innovation.
“Intellectual property protection is not only about safeguarding works from imitation but also serves as a crucial foundation for building business competitiveness. MSMEs must begin viewing IP as a business asset with economic value,” said Hermansyah.
He further added that IP certificates are more than mere administrative documents; they are essential instruments for mitigating business risks and enhancing business valuation. With registered IP, business actors gain legal certainty in conducting their operations.
“In addition to providing legal certainty, registered IP can now be used as additional collateral in accessing financing. This presents a significant opportunity for MSMEs to develop more rapidly and sustainably,” he continued.
Hermansyah also explained that DJKI continues to promote easier access to IP protection through various policies, such as special rates for MSMEs, online registration services via merek.dgip.go.id, and free registration facilitation programmes in collaboration with ministries, agencies, and local governments. DJKI also offers the Mobile Intellectual Property Clinic service to provide direct assistance to communities in various regions.
In line with Hermansyah, BRIN’s Advisory Board Chair, Megawati Soekarnoputri, in her remarks, emphasised the importance of legal awareness in intellectual property protection as part of national economic development. She reminded that Indonesia’s abundant intellectual property must be safeguarded by a strong and fair legal system.
“There must be legal certainty and justice. Every citizen has equal rights under the law, including in intellectual property protection. If not protected, our wealth can be taken by others,” Megawati asserted firmly.
Megawati also highlighted that IP has become part of the international legal regime, necessitating speed and accuracy in registering works and innovations to avoid claims by foreign parties. She urged business actors to promptly protect and utilise it to boost the economy.
“Our intellectual property is already part of international law. That means, the quickest gets it. If not registered promptly, it can be taken by others. Therefore, socialisation and IP protection must be carried out massively,” she stated.
In this Dialogue Forum, various issues faced by MSMEs related to IP were discussed, such as low awareness of registration and challenges in managing innovation-based businesses. Additionally, the forum provided practical understanding to participants on steps to protect IP, from identifying types of IP, the registration process, to strategies for utilising it in business development.
Through this event, business actors, particularly MSMEs, are expected to enhance their literacy and awareness of the importance of IP protection as a long-term asset. With proper protection, works and innovations are not only legally safeguarded but also able to provide sustainable economic added value for business actors in Bali and Indonesia in general.