The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) is driving the expansion of market reach and capacity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the metal handicraft sector to boost their competitiveness both domestically and globally. Director General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries (IKMA) at Kemenperin, Reni Yanita, emphasized the need for market expansion to navigate the global economic dynamics affecting export markets. Kemenperin has implemented various initiatives for metal handicraft SMEs, including automation of production processes, as seen in the Tumang handicraft center in Boyolali, Central Java, to enhance competitiveness. "We assist in overcoming production process challenges, such as manually creating patterns or textures on copper plates, which hampers efficiency and productivity, especially for products with high market demand," Reni stated on Sunday, 30 June 2024.

The automation program helps SMEs in Boyolali increase production capacity, optimize work time, and reduce material waste, directly enhancing their ability to expand both domestic and international markets. Technological intervention through production process automation, like using texture-making machines for copper plates, is essential. "We hope metal handicraft SMEs in Tumang and other centers across Indonesia can utilize these machines to transition to more effective and efficient production methods," she added. In 2023, the added value of the creative industry reached IDR 1,414.8 trillion, growing by 10.5 percent compared to the previous year’s IDR 1,280.42 trillion. The fashion and handicraft sectors were the second and third largest contributors, accounting for 33 percent of the total value. Kemenperin's efforts aim to strengthen the metal handicraft sector, enhance SME capabilities, and foster sustainable development through technological advancements and market expansion strategies.

Source: https://www.medcom.id/ekonomi/bisnis/9K5AJdnK-kemenperin-perluas-ikm-sektor-kerajinan-tangan-logam