At the recent Apresiasi Kreasi Indonesia (AKI) 2024 exhibition in Batam, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, praised the significant international orders received by local micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKMs), spotlighting their growing impact in regional markets.

The AKI 2024 exhibition, initially planned for Tanjungpinang, was relocated to Batam to enhance competition and visibility. This strategic move proved beneficial as numerous UMKMs reported immediate international orders, particularly from Malaysia and Singapore, with some products selling out completely.

The relocation of the AKI exhibition to Batam resulted in a substantial increase in visibility and sales for participating UMKMs, with several securing significant orders from international markets right at the event.

Minister Sandiaga Uno reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting UMKM growth through efficient bureaucratic processes and strategic event placements to enhance economic contributions in the region.

Post-pandemic, the creative economy has rapidly expanded, contributing 8% to Indonesia’s GDP and creating 25 million new jobs, reflecting the sector’s resilience and potential for growth.

The Ministry has implemented various support measures, including training and access to capital, to ensure the sustained growth and competitive edge of UMKMs in international markets.

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With the creative economy expected to quadruple by 2030, reaching between $210 billion and $360 billion, the focus on UMKMs could significantly influence Indonesia’s export figures, with a targeted increase to $28 billion in creative economic exports.

The burgeoning success of Indonesia’s UMKMs in the creative sector presents both a vibrant market for unique products and a robust investment opportunity. The ongoing support from the Indonesian government ensures that these enterprises are not only locally sustainable but also competitive on a global scale.

At the AKI 2024 event in Batam, Indonesian UMKMs showcased their prowess by attracting significant orders from Malaysia and Singapore, emphasizing the potential of Indonesia’s creative economy to bolster the country’s export figures and provide unique cultural products to the international market.

Sources: Detik.com, Antara News (2024)