West Kalimantan Provincial Government and Dekranasda Aim to Enhance MSME Product Packaging
The West Kalimantan Provincial Government, alongside the West Kalimantan Regional National Craft Council (Dekranasda), has emphasised the importance of improving product packaging quality as a primary strategy to strengthen the competitiveness of MSMEs and regional craft industries in broader markets.
“Many West Kalimantan MSME products are already excellent; however, they lack sufficient promotion, and we must also improve packaging and find ways to introduce them more widely until they are recognised at a national level,” stated West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan in Pontianak on Wednesday.
He asserted that, in addition to promotion, packaging quality is a crucial factor in determining a consumer’s initial attraction to local products. According to the Governor, West Kalimantan’s craft products inherently possess competitive quality but still require reinforcement in terms of promotion and packaging to penetrate national and international markets. He added that packaging plays a vital role as it provides the first impression for consumers before they learn more about the product’s quality.
“The product’s appearance is the first thing consumers see. Therefore, packaging must be made attractive, high-quality, and capable of reflecting the value of the product being sold,” he said.
Ria Norsan also encouraged Dekranasda and MSME entrepreneurs to be more active in expanding the promotion of flagship regional products, including utilising the facilities prepared by the local government at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) in Jakarta as a showroom and promotional space for West Kalimantan products.
Furthermore, the West Kalimantan Provincial Government is strengthening financial support through the Bank Kalbar People’s Business Credit (KUR) programme, offering low interest rates to assist MSME players in increasing production capacity and business development.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Dekranasda West Kalimantan, Erlina Ria Norsan, stated that West Kalimantan possesses great potential in the craft sector, including weaving, batik, weaving, carving, and beadwork, but still faces challenges regarding product quality, design innovation, packaging, legality, and market access.
According to her, one of the strategic steps taken by Dekranasda West Kalimantan is to strengthen the artisan database, increase the capacity of business actors through the use of digital technology, and optimise the function of regional galleries as showcases for flagship products. She emphasised that strengthening the identity of regional products is essential so that every area in West Kalimantan possesses a clear character and competitiveness.
“Regional galleries must serve as showcases of pride for their respective regions. Local identity must be continuously maintained and strengthened to ensure higher added value and competitiveness,” she said.
Erlina added that the West Kalimantan Provincial Dekranasda serves as a promotional centre that accommodates all craft products from various regencies and cities, while simultaneously encouraging collaboration to expand market access.