Smesco encourages MSMEs to utilise AI to develop businesses

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The marketing services agency Smesco Indonesia is encouraging micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to utilise artificial intelligence (AI) to support business development and increase competitiveness amidst a changing business landscape.

In a press statement from the Ministry of MSMEs in Jakarta on Wednesday, the President Director of Smescan Indonesia, Doddy Akhmadsyah Matondang, stated that the ability to leverage technological advancements is a vital component in strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of MSMEs.

“MSMEs need to be adaptive to technological developments. AI can serve as one of the tools to support business development,” said Doddy during the Kick Off of the Smesco Incubation & Acceleration Program (SIAP) 2026 in Jakarta on Tuesday (29/9).

One of the agendas within SIAP 2026 is a session with Google Gemini through the module “Scaling Up MSMEs with Gemini AI,” which introduces the use of AI to support various business development needs.

According to Doddy, the transformation of MSMEs cannot rely solely on the individual capabilities of business owners.

Strengthening an ecosystem that connects technology, financing, market access, and business networks is also necessary so that MSMEs can scale their operations.

SIAP 2026 is an incubation and acceleration programme aimed at strengthening the business capacity and competitiveness of MSMEs through training, mentoring, capacity building, and business development evaluation.

In addition to training, the programme also features introductory sessions on digital platforms, including Usahaku.ai, which provides technological solutions to support business management and development.

Doddy expressed hope that participants would not only gain knowledge during the programme but also be able to apply it in their business management, ensuring MSMEs are increasingly prepared to expand their businesses and reach wider markets.