UMKM Minister Emphasises Importance of Strengthening Domestic Market

Jakarta — Indonesia’s Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) Maman Abdurrahman has stressed the importance of protecting and optimising Indonesia’s domestic market potential to prevent it from being dominated by imported products.

During the opening of a Ramadan Bazaar in Jakarta on Tuesday, Maman conveyed that whilst the domestic market has a strategic role, the government continues to encourage strengthening UMKM flagship products to penetrate export markets.

“With a population of approximately 250 million people, our market potential is very large. If it were not so large, it would be impossible for our domestic market to become the target of various imported products,” Maman stated in a press release.

He emphasised that the government continues to strengthen strategic measures to protect domestic market potential whilst also shielding UMKM entrepreneurs from unfair competition.

Maman expressed hope that all stakeholders could focus on optimising the use of local products.

According to him, strengthening consumption of domestic products, structuring the domestic market, and cross-sectoral policy synergy will ensure UMKM not only survives amid the dynamics of the global economy, but also develops as a main pillar of national economic resilience.

Maman explained that the government is currently conducting cross-ministerial and inter-agency coordination to create a healthy and competitive business ecosystem.