Gang Dagang Game: An Exciting Way to Boost MSMEs’ Digital Literacy

Jakarta — The micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector in Indonesia is widely regarded as the backbone of the economy, contributing more than 60 percent of the national GDP. Yet behind these figures lies a perennial snag: low financial literacy and confusion over adopting digital technology.

All too often, traders are seen mixing personal wallets with business funds or struggling to set selling prices that truly ensure profit. In response, PT Netzme Kreasi Indonesia (Netzme), a Bank Indonesia‑licensed payment service provider, has decided not merely to supply payment tools.

Netzme has teamed up with education technology giant Ruangguru to launch a breakthrough initiative named Gang Dagang. The programme was officially unveiled at Jakarta City Hall on 18 May 2026, with full support from the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government and Bank Indonesia’s Jakarta Regional Office.

Gang Dagang is not a dull training programme with lengthy slide decks. Instead, it adopts a gamification concept. MSME operators are invited to learn through real‑world business simulations, as if playing a game, but with highly practical impacts on their own businesses. In this inaugural cohort, 50 MSME participants have been selected to undertake an intensive five‑month curriculum.

The Assistant to the Economy and Finance of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Secretary, Suharini Eliawati, said the move aligns closely with the Jakpreneur spirit. “We welcome this programme, in line with the Jakpreneur ethos and the provincial government’s commitment to digital transformation and boosting the capacity of MSME actors. As the hub of the economy and national digital transformation, DKI Jakarta is seen as a strategic location for launching the first cohort of the Gang Dagang programme,” she said in a written statement received by Republika on 19 May 2026.

In parallel, monetary authorities view this collaboration as a positive development for the national payments ecosystem. Acting Head of the Licensing and Policy Implementation Division of Bank Indonesia for the DKI Jakarta Representative Office, Roes Dina Martha, stressed the importance of synergy between private sector and government.

“Looking ahead, we hope initiatives like this continue to synergise among the private sector, government, and authorities, and contribute to accelerating the digitalisation of MSMEs, mastery of the payments ecosystem, and the strengthening of inclusive and competitive regional economies,” she said.