Ibas Emphasises Importance of UMKM Optimisation in MICE Event Supply Chain
Vice Chairman of MPR RI Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas) has emphasised the importance of optimising UMKM partnerships in the supply chain for MICE events (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions). This was conveyed during a meeting with communities of female creative economy entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and regional tourism developers as part of a Ramadan 2026 outreach and recess programme.
The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism RI, carried the theme ‘Optimising UMKM Partnerships in the MICE Event Supply Chain in East Java’ with the subtheme ‘Resilient Women, Growing Creative Economy’.
The activity served as a momentum for consolidating women’s role in strengthening the regional economy. In his remarks, Ibas stressed that Ramadan is not merely ritual worship but rather a school of character.
“Fasting trains discipline. Fasting builds integrity,” said Ibas, in a statement dated Monday, 2 March 2026.
“Fasting strengthens solidarity. These are the values also needed in building a healthy and just economy,” he added.
He emphasised that women are pillars of the nation and a strength of the national economy. Data shows that more than 64% of UMKM entrepreneurs in Indonesia are women, meaning that strengthening MSMEs cannot be separated from strengthening women’s roles.
According to Ibas, the tourism and MICE sector in East Java has significant potential as an economic driver. However, the MICE event supply chain still needs strengthening to involve more local MSMEs, particularly female creative economy entrepreneurs.
“MICE events should not only mobilise large hotels and venues. Culinary MSMEs, craft, fashion, creative services, and tourist villages must be part of the supply chain,” Ibas stated firmly.
Ibas also highlighted several challenges that remain, ranging from low digital literacy, limited financing access, human resource capacity constraints, to issues of stunting and extreme poverty that impact the quality of future generations.
Quoting Raden Ajeng Kartini’s message, “After Darkness Comes Light”, Ibas affirmed that change begins with awareness, courage, and education. He emphasised that partnership is the key word.
During the occasion, Ibas outlined his efforts to oversee several strategic agendas, including:
• Strengthening access to capital and entrepreneurship training for female MSMEs
• Business digitalisation and expanded market access
• Development of tourism communities and tourist villages based on creative economy
• Digital literacy education for business operators
• Strengthening the Four Pillars of MPR RI as the foundation of nationhood
“MSMEs must be connected with event organisers, hotels, regional governments, and MICE industry actors. An ecosystem must be built. Supply chains must be fair and inclusive,” said Ibas.
According to Ibas, empowered women are not only economically independent but also capable of empowering their families and surrounding communities.
“If women are strong, families are strong. If families are strong, this nation is strong,” he said.
In a warm dialogue, Ibas gathered aspirations from female UMKM operators, ranging from needs for marketing strengthening and business mentoring.
One participant from Madiun, Deby, expressed hopes for access to business development and investors for UMKM expansion. Similarly, Tati from Magetan expressed the desire for UMKM involvement in large-scale event supply chains.
In response, Ibas affirmed his commitment to continually encourage MSMEs to move up the value chain through sustained mentoring, expanded market access, and policies that create fairer space for small business operators so they are not disadvantaged against large industries.
According to Ibas, MSMEs with distinctive Indonesian character and identity are national economic strengths that must be reinforced to penetrate global markets whilst serving as engines of sustainable regional economic growth.
Through the Ramadan momentum, Ibas hopes that synergy between women’s organisations, communities, regional governments, and industry actors can accelerate creative economy growth and make East Java a centre for inclusive MICE that is grounded in local strength.
“We strengthen faith. We strengthen women,” said Ibas.
“We strengthen MSMEs. We strengthen the nation,” he concluded.