Indonesian mayors urge MSMEs to scale up through better packaging

Mayors in Medan and Solo are encouraging micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to scale up their operations by improving product quality, packaging, and marketing strategies.

In Medan, Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas emphasized that MSMEs must move beyond mere survival. He highlighted the importance of visual appeal and modern packaging to compete in the digital era, noting that consumers often judge products by their appearance before taste. He also stressed the need for consistent production capacity to meet larger national or international demands.

Similarly, Solo Mayor Respati Ardi urged local entrepreneurs to target consumers outside their immediate regions, including high-spending markets in major cities. He advised MSMEs to increase product value through creative storytelling, digital marketing, and premium packaging. By shifting focus from sales volume to transaction value, he suggested that even simple products can be sold at higher prices if presented with a premium concept.