The micro and small industrial sector (IMK) in East Java plays a vital role as a driver of grassroots economic activity. According to the 2023 Micro and Small Industry Survey by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), there are 971,471 business units across the province, employing 2,498,925 workers—highlighting its status as a key source of informal employment. Food manufacturing leads the sector, with 256,215 enterprises and over 550,000 workers, followed by garment production with 141,299 companies and more than 313,000 workers, centered largely in Surabaya and Sidoarjo. Other significant contributors include wood-based industries, processed agricultural products, and tobacco.
In addition to labor-intensive mainstays like footwear, textiles, and furniture, East Java's IMK sector includes smaller but diverse fields such as metal goods, traditional crafts, automotive parts, electronics, and toys. With over 2.4 million people depending on these industries, sustaining and modernizing the sector is essential. Strategic support from local and national governments—through product quality development, marketing facilitation, and SME empowerment—is key to boosting competitiveness and fostering inclusive economic growth in the region.
