Yogyakarta SMEs Scale Up with PUM Netherlands Experts

RRI.CO.ID, Yogyakarta - The Dutch government is actively bolstering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Yogyakarta Province through the Program Uitzending Manager (PUM) Netherlands Senior Experts. PUM is a non-profit organization operating under the Dutch Foreign Affairs Ministry, comprising retired professionals and entrepreneurs who volunteer their vast cross-sectoral expertise.

PUM’s representative for Yogyakarta Province, SR Yuyun Yunastuti, outlined the organization’s core mission during an interview on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. "Our vision is to alleviate poverty in developing and underdeveloped nations by providing strategic business mentorship to MSMEs and local entrepreneurs," explained Yuyun.

She emphasized that when businesses scale successfully, they generate significant employment opportunities, creating a substantial multiplier effect on the local economy. These volunteers are deployed globally, including to Indonesia, with a strong focus on Yogyakarta Province.

The collaboration in Yogyakarta is long-standing, with numerous completed projects and ongoing mentorship. PUM experts are equipped to address a wide array of operational challenges, offering tailored solutions to help MSMEs overcome systemic hurdles.

While PUM is headquartered exclusively in the Netherlands, its key Indonesian representative is based in Yogyakarta Province. This local presence streamlines the application process for MSMEs seeking specialized mentorship.

As the regional representative, Yuyun’s role is to bridge the gap between local needs and global talent, identifying the specific experts required to meet an MSME's unique objectives.

The partnership aims to foster mutual growth by enhancing product quality, enabling Yogyakarta’s MSMEs to penetrate the European market. By aligning local production with international quality standards, businesses can compete on a global stage.

PUM experts provide comprehensive business plans and rigorous analysis to redefine how local entrepreneurs approach their craft. The ultimate goal is a fundamental shift in business mindset, anchored in the principle of "Together We Grow." (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)