Indonesian SMEs Squeezed by Chinese Products: Market Expansion Through Exports as a Solution?

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesian SME businesses are currently being squeezed by e-commerce, which is seen as providing a broader market for products originating from China. This is certainly a concern that has the potential to disrupt domestic business players. Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Anindya Bakrie stated that, in general, SMEs form the backbone of Indonesia during every crisis. “But besides liquidity, market access is also key. For instance, e-commerce provides wide market access,” he said when met in the Widya Chandra area last weekend. Anindya added that one of the competitors for SMEs in Indonesia is the import of products from abroad. For this reason, he hopes that imported products from abroad also adhere to the same rules as genuine Indonesian products. Anindya also believes that the sustainability of SMEs needs to be continuously advocated for. In addition, Indonesia currently has opportunities to establish trade cooperation with the European Union and Canada. “SMEs that can support programmes such as exports to foreign countries must also be assisted. For example, the focus is everywhere on garments, textiles, footwear, furniture, and electronics,” he stated. “What is important is the ecosystem for exporters as well for SMEs,” he explained.