Welcoming the New Face of Indonesia's Economy: Shopee Re-launches Shopee UMKM PATEN Journalism Appreciation
The regular programme by Shopee Indonesia and the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), titled Shopee UMKM PATEN Journalism Appreciation, has returned. Carrying the theme ‘The New Face of Indonesia’s Economy through MSMEs and Digital Platforms’, the 2026 Shopee UMKM PATEN invites members of the press to cover inspiring stories of digital economy actors, ranging from local MSME owners who have successfully scaled up to content creators contributing to the e-commerce ecosystem.
With the media serving as the spearhead in conveying narratives of optimism, the 202_6 Shopee UMKM PATEN carries the primary mission of showcasing the new face of Indonesia’s economy, including how technology plays a vital role in transforming MSMEs into the nation’s economic engines. Radynal Nataprawira, Deputy Director of Public Affairs at Shopee Indonesia, stated that the penetration of e-commerce technology has triggered a massive decentralisation of business activities across the country over the last decade.
Through journalistic works, the wider public can witness how technology has opened opportunities and birthed new local entrepreneurs, driving more equitable regional economic growth. “That is why we are once again inviting our journalist colleagues to weave stories of the struggles of MSMEs in various remote areas, so that the public can see directly how digital transformation is truly revitalising the people’s economy and the MSME economy,” Radynal said in a press release.
According to Radynal, the role of digital platforms extends beyond merely simplifying transactions and logistics. Furthermore, digital platforms are breaking down barriers, providing equal market access for micro and small entrepreneurs to compete on the same stage as larger players. Additionally, trends in digital commerce are opening various new opportunities, including business models such as live shopping and affiliate marketing.
The competition includes several sub-themes, such as Affiliates, MSMEs and Digitalisation, Local Product Export, Hoax Prevention, and Digital Security, reflecting the current dynamics of the digital economic ecosystem. The judging panel for Shopee UMKM PATEN 2026 consists of the Deputy for Small Business at the Indonesian Ministry of MSMEs, Temmy Satya Permana; Chairperson of the Editorial Board Forum, Retno Pinasti; Chairperson of the Indonesian Cyber Media Association (AMSI), Wahyu Dhyatmika; Associated Press photojournalist Achmad Ibrahim; and Shopee Indonesia’s Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Radynal Nataprawira.
Journalistic works submitted must have been published or broadcast in mass media between 1 October 2025 and 31 August 2026. The submission deadline is 31 August 2026, at 23:59 WIB.