Intellectual Property Protection: The Key to Global Competitiveness

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Amid the increasingly competitive and innovation-based industrial landscape, the protection of Intellectual Property (KI) becomes a crucial factor in determining the sustainability and competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). SMEs' products and business units are not only required to have quality and added value, but they must also be legally protected to compete in both national and global markets.

Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita stated that the protection of intellectual property is an integral part of the strategy to strengthen the national industrial structure, particularly in efforts to advance small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to a higher tier and enhance their competitiveness. According to the Minister of Industry, good management of intellectual property will transform innovations, brands, and designs into valuable economic assets, while also providing legal certainty for business actors.

"The Ministry of Industry is committed to continuously strengthening the innovation-based industrial ecosystem through sustainable intellectual protection, so that SMEs not only grow in quantity but also in quality and global competitiveness," said the Minister of Industry in his statement on Monday, 9 February 2026.

In line with this, the Ministry of Industry through the role of the Directorate General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries (Ditjen IKMA) consistently encourages the strengthening of the intellectual protection ecosystem as one of the strategies for national industrial development. This effort is aimed at ensuring that innovations, brands, designs, and intellectual works of SMEs can be managed as business assets with economic value and legally protected.

"As a manifestation of this commitment, we operate the Intellectual Property Clinic (Klinik KI) facility, which has been running since 1988," Stated the Director General of IKMA, Reni Yanita. According to her, the KI Clinic is a one-stop  consulting to guide SMEs on intellectual property regulations, while also encouraging the use of KI as a strategic instrument in strengthening competitiveness, increasing added value, and ensuring business sustainability.

"The government is committed to creating a conductive business climate by implementing effective intellectual property protection regulations and expanding education to the public about the strategic value of intellectual property," she added.

The KI Clinic of the Directorate General of Small and Medium Industries (IKMA) also serves as a consultation and mentoring space for SMEs to enhance their understanding of the importance of intellectual property protection in supporting business sustainability. "Through the KI Clinic, SMEs are guided to make intellectual property a strategic asset that can increase product value, expand market access, and strengthen their business position amidst industrial competition," Reni continued.

In addition, the KI Clinic provides various services, including intellectual property consultations covering trademarks, copyrights, patents, industrial designs, trade secrets, and geographical indications. The KI Clinic also facilitates KI registration, including guidance as well as education and socialization of KI protection to SMEs and regulatory officers at both central and regional levels.

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