Economic Activity Reviving: UMKM E-Commerce Transactions Surge in Disaster-Affected Regions
Economic activity amongst residents in disaster-affected areas of Aceh, North Sumatra (Sumut), and West Sumatra (Sumbar) is beginning to recover gradually. This is reflected in the increasing transactions of micro, small and medium enterprise (UMKM) products through e-commerce platforms in recent weeks.
Based on data from the Task Force for Accelerated Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (Satgas PRR) tracking UMKM developments through 4 March 2026, the number of transactions reached 7,461,422, a significant increase compared to 23 January 2026, which recorded around 1,029,598 transactions. The data was compiled from sales activities across several digital platforms including Tokopedia, TikTok, and Shopee.
Breaking down the figures by province, transaction growth is evident across each region. In Aceh, transactions totalled approximately 10,230 on 4 February and increased to 24,841 by 4 March.
Meanwhile, in North Sumatra, e-commerce transactions recorded 285,737 on 4 February and rose significantly to approximately 2,162,858 by 4 March.
In West Sumatra, transactions totalled 1,867,456 on 4 February and increased to approximately 2,173,688 by 4 March.
Beyond transaction volume, the number of UMKM products marketed through digital platforms has remained stable. Aceh has approximately 1,396 UMKM products marketed through e-commerce, North Sumatra has 631 products, and West Sumatra has around 101 products.
The increase in digital trading activity has been supported by the recovery of telecommunications infrastructure in the disaster-affected regions. The Task Force for Accelerated Rehabilitation and Reconstruction recorded that 11,143 base transceiver stations (BTS) that were previously affected across the three provinces have now returned to operation or fully recovered. This comprises 3,815 BTS in Aceh, 5,845 BTS in North Sumatra, and 1,483 BTS in West Sumatra.
With the restoration of telecommunications networks, residents can again access communication and internet services, including conducting e-commerce activities through digital platforms.
Furthermore, the increase in digital trading activity is also attributable to the “UMKM Sumatra Rising” programme launched by Minister of UMKM Maman Abdurrahman to assist UMKM operators in disaster-affected areas to continue marketing their products.
The programme is implemented through partnerships with major e-commerce platforms including Shopee, Tokopedia, TikTok Shop, and Lazada, featuring a dedicated landing page displaying products from UMKMs in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.