Global Access Key to Upgrading Indonesian MSMEs
Amidst economic growth and increasingly tight global trade connectivity, Indonesian MSMEs are in a strategic position to scale up into international markets.
With a contribution of over 60 per cent to the national economy, MSMEs are not only a domestic foundation but also possess great potential as future drivers of exports. This means the sector holds significant opportunities to become the primary engine for export growth in the years ahead. Indonesia’s economic growth, which is projected to reach 5.11 per cent in 2025, further strengthens the impetus for business owners to penetrate global markets.
However, the challenge is no longer about production readiness. For many MSMEs, the main obstacle lies in access to global distribution networks and the logistical capabilities required to keep pace with business growth.
VP Commercial of DHL Express Indonesia, Poppy Ariani, emphasised that opportunities for Indonesian MSMEs are widening alongside increasing global trade connectivity. “Global demand exists and continues to grow. The key now is access, speed, consistency, and competitiveness,” Poppy stated in a briefing on Tuesday, 30 June.
She added that connectivity and logistical reliability are no longer merely supporting functions but are integral parts of business strategy. This shift is reflected in changing shipping patterns; whereas MSMEs were previously identified with small-scale shipments, an increasing number of Indonesian businesses are moving towards larger, high-value volumes.
Meanwhile, Senior Technical Advisor at DHL Express Indonesia, Ahmad Mohamad, noted that this development is visible in the market, reflecting the growing scale of global trade and the increasing complexity of global logistical needs.
“We are seeing a clear shift from small-scale shipments to large volumes. This indicates that Indonesian businesses are not just entering the global market, but are beginning to thrive within it,” he said.
According to Ahmad, limited access to logistical solutions capable of matching business growth scales remains a challenge, which is also changing how entrepreneurs compete in the global market. “Competitive advantage is no longer about who starts first, but who is able to grow faster and more consistently. Reliability has become the differentiator,” Ahmad explained.