Kumitra Bridges Yogyakarta MSMEs into Modern Retail and National Supply Chains
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) is encouraging micro-entrepreneurs to expand their markets through partnerships with large businesses, modern retail networks and digital platforms. This effort is being realised through the Kumitra programme (Ease of Business through Partnership), which was officially opened at Teras Malioboro, Yogyakarta, on Friday evening (17/7/2026).
The programme brings together around 1,000 micro-entrepreneurs mentored by the Integrated Business Service Centre (PLUT) with various strategic partners.
Deputy Minister of UMKM Helvi Yuni Moraza said the challenges facing micro, small and medium enterprises today are not only related to capital. According to her, access to markets and supply chains is essential for micro-enterprises to grow and move up a class.
“Our task addresses two fundamental problems, which are classic issues in the MSME sector. The first is access to capital, and the second is access to markets,” said Helvi in her remarks on Friday evening (17/7/2026).
Through the Kumitra programme, the Ministry of UMKM is working to connect micro-enterprises with various business partners to open up wider market access. From business matchmaking with ten large business partners and retail pavilions, potential transactions were secured with micro-enterprise partnership commitments worth Rp7.155 billion.
Helvi said MSME products in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) have great potential to enter modern retail networks, the tourism sector, hotels, processing industries, and the national digital market.
“DIY has around 345,000 MSMEs, and this great potential must continue to be encouraged so they do not only grow in local markets, but are able to enter modern retail networks, the tourism sector, hotels, processing industries and the national digital market,” she said.
She also appreciated the commitment to waive listing fees for micro-enterprises in modern retail networks. According to her, this policy can help MSME products enter modern markets without being burdened by excessively high upfront costs.
“The waiving of listing fees for micro-enterprises in modern retail networks is a form of support for micro-enterprises, as well as a strategic step to accelerate the entry of MSME products into modern markets and the national supply chain,” she said.
According to Helvi, MSMEs must also make use of digitalisation to expand their markets. However, digital transformation must provide direct benefits for business owners, rather than adding cost burdens.
She stated that the government does not want MSMEs to be given financing alone, without being accompanied by market access, mentoring, legality and partnerships. Capital without market certainty can become a burden for business owners.
“Marketplaces must grow together with MSMEs, not on the backs of MSMEs,” she said.
“If MSMEs are given capital but no other access is opened up, that also endangers MSMEs,” she said.
Regarding the Kumitra programme, she continued, it forms part of the government’s effort to encourage MSMEs to level up gradually. Starting from fostering entrepreneurship, facilitating legality, opening access to financing, providing training and coaching, through to encouraging micro-enterprises to grow into small, medium and large businesses.
At the event, the Ministry of UMKM also officially inaugurated the PLUT UMKM for DIY Province, Sleman Regency and Kulon Progo Regency. Helvi expressed hope that the PLUT can become a shared home for micro-entrepreneurs to obtain business development services, expand partnerships, increase capacity and strengthen market access.
Deputy Governor of DIY KGPAA Paku Alam X said the success of the PLUT cannot be measured merely by the number of activities held. Success must be seen in the growing number of businesses moving up a class, rising incomes, job creation and stronger economic self-reliance in the community.
“The inauguration of a building is only the beginning. The true meaning lies in businesses that grow, jobs that are created, and prosperity that widens,” he said.