West Java Regional Secretary Encourages MSMEs to Develop Positive Mindset to Scale Up

The West Java Regional Secretary, Herman Suryatman, has encouraged all micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) players to expand their businesses to reach the next level. He emphasised that the success of MSMEs is determined not only by capital and business strategies but also by the mindset of the entrepreneurs.

Herman stressed that there should be no excuses for MSME players to stop developing. He requested that business owners first build self-confidence before taking business steps.

“There is no excuse; everyone present here, the MSMEs, must scale up, and that starts with the mind. It starts from the mind, it is as simple as that,” Herman stated in his remarks on Thursday (3/9/2026).

He made these remarks during an assistance programme for Halal Certification processing for 1,000 micro and small MSME players, alongside an Executive Seminar. Carrying the theme “AKU KAMU KITA: Moving Together to Build Indonesian MSME Businesses”, the event took place at the Blessing Room Convention Center, D’Botanica Hotel, Bandung City, on Wednesday (2/9).

Herman assessed that fear is one of the main obstacles making it difficult for MSME players to grow. According to him, fears regarding products not selling, incurring losses, or facing rejection often arise before entrepreneurs even attempt to try.

“The problem is, before anything has happened, we are all already afraid. Afraid it won’t sell, afraid of loss, afraid of rejection. That is what makes you struggle to scale up—your own thoughts,” he said.

He also invited MSME players to continuously build a positive mindset and maintain a clear vision in running their businesses. He noted that a vision is a vital part of determining the direction and success of an enterprise.

Herman also reminded participants of the importance of consistency, citing the Sundanese proverb “cikaracak ninggang batu, laun-laun jadi legok”. This translates to the idea that something done continuously will eventually produce change.

“Even though a stone is hard and water is only a drop, if it continues, it will eventually create a hollow. Where there is a will, there is a way, as our ancestors said,” he remarked.

Herman added that MSME players must not give up easily when facing difficulties. He believed that business success requires a process, the courage to try again, and consistent repetition.

On this occasion, he also quoted the thoughts of Socrates, stating that excellence does not solely arise from ability, but from continuous repetition.

“There is no such thing as being inherently superior; there is only repetition. Repetition, repeated over and over,” he emphasised.

Herman also reminded MSME players to build a social environment that supports business development. He encouraged entrepreneurs to provide positive encouragement to one another, rather than instilling fear and doubt.

For information, the halal certification assistance programme for 1,000 micro and small MSME players was initiated by the Red and White Chinese Communication Forum (FOKTI) in collaboration with the government and other stakeholders. The activity is part of an effort to encourage entrepreneurs to increase their capacity and business competitiveness.