Reliable Logistics Systems Ease SMEs' Path to Export Markets
Indonesian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are assessed to have growing opportunities to expand their export markets alongside increasing global trade connectivity. However, beyond production capacity, access to international distribution networks and reliable logistics services are vital factors for MSMEs to compete in the global market.
With a contribution of over 60% to the national economy, MSMEs are seen as having great potential to become the engine of Indonesia’s export growth. This momentum is further supported by the national economic growth, which reached 5.11% in 2025.
VP Commercial of DHL Express Indonesia, Poppy Ariani, stated that demand from international markets continues to rise, opening wider opportunities for domestic businesses. “Global demand exists and continues to develop. The key now is access, speed, consistency, and competitiveness,” Poppy said in a statement on Wednesday (1/7).
According to her, the role of logistics is no longer merely an operational support function but has become an essential part of a company’s business strategy. This shift is evident in the changing shipping patterns of MSMEs, which are increasingly sending larger volumes of high-value goods.
Senior Technical Advisor at DHL Express Indonesia, Ahmad Mohamad, noted that this trend reflects the growing scale of Indonesian businesses in the international market. “We are seeing a clear shift from small-scale shipments to large volumes. This shows that Indonesian businesses are not just entering the global market, but are beginning to expand within it,” said Ahmad.
He added that one of the challenges still faced by business owners is limited access to logistics solutions capable of keeping pace with their business growth. “Advantage is no longer about who started first, but who can grow faster and more consistently. Reliability is the differentiator,” explained Ahmad.
He further noted that the need for flexible logistics services is also increasing, particularly for large-scale cargo shipments. “The demand for heavy cargo shipping continues to rise alongside business expansion into global markets. This reflects the readiness of Indonesian entrepreneurs to compete at a higher level,” he added.
Observing these developments, DHL Express Indonesia noted that approximately 40% of its customers come from the MSME segment. This figure demonstrates the growing interest of small businesses in reaching international markets.
Through its global network, the company provides express delivery services and integrated logistics solutions, ranging from small parcels to cargo shipments. One of the services offered is Heavy Weight Express, which can handle air shipments of up to 1,000 kilograms per piece and 3,000 kilograms in a single shipment.
Additionally, DHL Express operates the GoTrade programme, an initiative designed to help MSMEs expand access while increasing competitiveness in the global market. “Our focus is not merely on transactions, but on building the capability of MSMEs so they can grow consistently in the global market,” concluded Ahmad.