RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s small and medium industries (SMIs) are being encouraged to strengthen their competitiveness by securing legal protection for innovation, with the government stressing that intellectual property (IP) is vital for survival and global market penetration.

Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita underscored that IP management is central to enhancing industrial competitiveness. 

“The ministry is committed to strengthening the innovation-based industrial ecosystem through sustainable IP protection so that SMIs can grow in quality and become globally competitive,” he said in Jakarta on Monday, February 9, 2026, as quoted on the ministry’s official website.

This initiative is being implemented through the Directorate General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries (IKMA), which focuses on building a stronger IP ecosystem to ensure that SMIs’ intellectual works are protected and add value.

Director General of IKMA, Reni Yanita, highlighted the role of the Intellectual Property Clinic (Klinik KI), established in 1998 as an integrated assistance service. “The government creates a conducive business climate through effective IP regulations and continuous education for the public,” she explained.

The IP Clinic provides consultations on trademarks, copyrights, patents, industrial designs, trade secrets, and geographical indications, while also facilitating registrations and offering education for SMIs and supervisory officials at both central and regional levels.

In 2025 alone, the clinic handled 680 consultations, facilitated 292 trademark registrations, and assisted with four copyright registrations. Since its establishment, it has supported 7,256 trademarks, 1,284 copyrights, 19 patents, 92 industrial designs, and five geographical indications.

Reni noted that the growing use of these services reflects rising awareness among SMIs of the importance of IP protection. She emphasized that outreach, education, and participation in national exhibitions must continue to ensure that the benefits of IP protection reach a wider audience. ***