KBRN, Jakarta: Indonesia has officially become the chair of the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines – East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) organization for the 2025–2028 period. This leadership was signified by the 12th BIMP-EAGA Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Working Group (MSMED WG) meeting held in Bali.

The Indonesian Ministry of MSMEs, as the host, was delegated by the Deputy for Medium Enterprises, Bagus Rachman. He emphasized Indonesia's preparedness to bring a new spirit of collaboration to strengthen MSMEs in the Southeast Asian sub-region.

Bagus said that MSMEs are the main proponents of Indonesia's economy. “They (MSMEs) have proven their competitiveness through flexibility, creativity, and resilience in a crisis," said Bagus in his statement on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

Bagus explained that BIMP-EAGA is a sub-regional cooperation initiative that focuses on accelerating socio-economic development in remote and underdeveloped areas in its four member countries. This cooperation includes improving connectivity, trade, investment, tourism, and other strategic sectors.

As the new chair, Indonesia emphasized several priority programs aligned with the national agenda. The agenda includes strengthening the digital ecosystem and facilitating product legality and certification.

In addition, there will be an increase in access to financing, expansion of domestic and international markets, and cluster-based business partnership development. In terms of the plantation sector, Indonesia highlights cocoa supply chain strengthening, as one of the leading commodities with the potential to strengthen regional cooperation.

Bagus said that BIMP-EAGA is an essential platform for sharing experiences, harmonizing policies, and formulating joint strategies. “The goal is for MSMEs to be competitive in regional and global markets,” said Bagus.

In addition to the official meeting, delegations from Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, and the Philippines also visited a medium-scale cocoa processing business in Bali.

“This visit aims to strengthen the potential for supply chain partnerships between MSMEs in the region, and at the same time shows the export opportunities for Indonesian cocoa, which has been entering neighboring countries’ markets,” he said.

The meeting was also attended by 10 local MSMEs displaying their leading products. This is a tangible manifestation of SMEs’ contribution to supporting a sustainable economy. ***

Translator: Gusti Panji Alif Pratama

Editor: Bambang MBKA