Online business matching generates US$135 million for Indonesian MSMEs

hartono · Jul 5, 2026

Online business matching generates US$135 million for Indonesian MSMEs

Director of Services and Creative Products Export Development at The Ministry of Trade, Ari Satria, speaks to reporters on the sidelines of the interactive discussion titled "Weaving Stories: Dialogue Between Artisans and Designers" at Alun Alun Indonesia in Jakarta on Thursday, May 21, 2026. (ANTARA/Arnidhya Nur Zhafira)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Trade recorded nearly US$135 million in export and potential transactions throughout 2025 by leveraging its online pitching and business matching program for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The ministry’s Director of Export Development for Services and Creative Products, Ari Satria, stated that utilizing digital platforms is a key strategy to expand market access for MSMEs.

"We conduct many activities online. MSMEs present their products to trade representatives abroad, and then we assess whether the products meet the requirements of the destination countries," Ari said during a discussion at the Jakarta Creative Festival, Sunday.

He explained that the ministry deployed its network of 46 trade representatives across 33 countries to act as international facilitators.

These representatives vet local products, offer critical feedback on international standards, and guide businesses through mandatory overseas certifications before matchmaking them with vetted buyers.

"These representatives provide guidance, for example, on the need for additional certification. Once complete, we conduct business matching with potential buyers," he added.

Throughout 2025, the Trade Ministry held 662 online pitching and business matching events, generating potential and realized transactions of nearly US$135 million.

The positive trend has continued into the current year, with transaction value reaching approximately US$107.34 million during the January-April period.

According to Ari, this achievement demonstrates that digital promotion is an effective alternative for opening export market access without always relying on costly overseas trade shows.

The business matching initiative, dubbed "MSMEs Can Export,” has successfully bypassed traditional, costly overseas trade shows to connect local entrepreneurs directly with global markets.

The program helps ease the burden on local MSMEs with limited promotional funds by facilitating direct meetings with potential international buyers.

"We are connecting these MSMEs online with their potential buyers," Ari concluded.