The West Java Provincial Government collaborates with Indonesian diaspora or citizens residing abroad to optimize export potential. Yulia Dewita, Head of Government Affairs and Regional Autonomy of the West Java Provincial Secretariat, expressed that this diaspora forum aims to advance Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and their competitiveness in the global market. Yulia highlighted the continuation of the Diaspora forum held initially in June 2023. This iteration saw contributions from various sources, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on market policies and export-related matters, as well as trade attachés from the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, Australia. The event aimed to inform MSMEs about consumer preferences abroad, serving as valuable insights for businesses intending to expand into exports.
West Java has successfully exported coffee, tea, bamboo, and garments to Australia by leveraging free trade agreements with partner countries. Yulia emphasized the need to improve product quality, quantity, and consistency in collaboration with Australia, aiming for a sustained product line. The aspiration behind this Diaspora forum is to facilitate the export of local MSME products to various countries, particularly ASEAN nations and Australia. Rachmat Taufik Garsadi, Head of the West Java Cooperative and Small Business Agency (Diskuk), praised the Diaspora Forum, foreseeing its positive impact on MSMEs. He stressed the importance of understanding external market demands for MSMEs. He urged MSMEs to enhance product quality to remain competitive in the global market, emphasizing the need for sustained development, improved quality, and adherence to various standards. The collaborative effort between the diaspora and local MSMEs, with insights gained from this forum, is anticipated to bolster West Java's export potential while ensuring sustained growth and enhanced competitiveness on the global stage.
