Ministry of SMEs Encourages SMEs to Level Up through Free AI Access

JAKARTA – Efforts by the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs to encourage micro-business operators to level up have entered a new phase, namely by providing free access to artificial intelligence (AI) for SMEs. Through a collaborative programme in Surakarta, technology is no longer just a complement but a primary tool to strengthen business operations.

This step stems from the fundamental issues still faced by SMEs, namely limited access to technology that can improve efficiency and decision-making quality. Assistant Deputy for Marketing and Digitalisation of Micro-Businesses at the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, Ari Anindya Hartika, emphasised this point.

“Many SMEs actually do not lack enthusiasm, but lack access to tools that can make them work faster and make better decisions. Through this programme, we want to ensure that technology like AI is not only for large companies but can also be used by micro-business entrepreneurs,” said Ari, in a press statement quoted on Friday (1/5/2026).

The programme titled “From Marketplace to AI for Micro-Businesses to Level Up” is a concrete manifestation of collaboration between the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, the Surakarta City Government, and the BENAR Foundation, with MWX as the AI platform provider. The event, held at PLUT Surakarta, reaches 100 selected SMEs.

With this approach, digital transformation is expected not to stop at mere online presence but to truly enter core daily business processes.

Furthermore, AI is used for market analysis and business strategy, allowing SMEs to read trends and understand customer behaviour more accurately. This capability was previously associated with large companies but is now starting to be accessible to micro-businesses.

In addition, AI is utilised for branding and marketing needs. Through this technology, business operators can create promotional content independently without incurring additional costs for agency services.

All these features are integrated into one application. Through the MWX platform, all these capabilities are available in a single app designed specifically to be user-friendly for entrepreneurs without a technology background. Thus, barriers to technology adoption can be minimised.