Indonesian lawmakers urge development of small and medium industries

Members of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) are advocating for the growth of small and medium industries (IKM) to boost local economies in Central and East Java.

In Cilacap, Central Java, legislator Siti Mukaromah highlighted the potential of ecoprinting and seashell crafts. She emphasized that utilizing local natural resources, such as marine products and plant-based dyes, can create high-value creative economy products and support regional tourism. The initiative, organized by the Ministry of Industry, aims to provide entrepreneurship training to local residents.

In Gresik, East Java, legislator Nila Yani Hardiyanti addressed challenges facing local businesses, including limited capital, lack of modern production machinery, and legal hurdles. While facilities like the Metal IKM Center in Hulaan Village have been established through government funding, business owners report that continuous mentorship and better access to credit are still required to scale production and enter larger industrial supply chains.