RRI.CO.ID, Salatiga - Indonesia’s Trade Minister, Budi Santoso, encouraged micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in Salatiga. It is to take advantage of the Ministry of Trade’s export programs and expand their reach to global markets.
The message was delivered during a discussion with around 30 MSME players at Argotelo, a souvenir shop and educational tourism destination in Salatiga, Central Java, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The participants came from various sectors, including food, fashion, and handicrafts.
Minister Budi Santoso said the government has prepared several tools to help MSMEs become exporters, from training and market access to business matching with potential buyers abroad. He said he Ministry of Trade has various export-support instruments that MSMEs can use.
"They can also connect with Indonesian trade representatives overseas to find markets and join business matching programs. We are committed to assisting business players so that domestic products can succeed in the global market,” he said,as quoted by official statement.
Among the programs offered are the Export Coaching Program, the automation of Certificates of Origin to help reduce import duties in export destination countries, and INAEXPORT membership, which connects exporters with global buyers. Indonesian trade representatives overseas are also ready to facilitate one-on-one business matching.
He also invited Salatiga MSMEs to join the 41st Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) which will be held from October 14 to 18, 2026, at ICE BSD City, Tangerang, Banten. The exhibition is expected to bring in buyers from various countries and open wider opportunities for Indonesian products. “TEI is an important momentum that should not be missed,” Minister Busan said.
To respond to global trade challenges, the Ministry of Trade is also pushing market diversification by targeting regions considered safer from conflict routes, such as Central Asia, Africa, and South Asia. The ministry is also optimizing trade agreements, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to strengthen access to major markets such as China, Japan, and South Korea.
Argotelo founder Toni Anandya, welcomed the ministry’s support. He said Argotelo had participated in the 40th TEI in 2025 and managed to build networks with buyers from Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
“We hope to get access to join exhibitions overseas and meet buyers abroad. According to our colleagues, the results of overseas exhibitions are significant, so we are hoping for that opportunity,” Toni said.
After the discussion, Budi Santoso, visited Argotelo’s production facilities. Established in 2016, Argotelo now processes around 500 tons of cassava per year, using local harvests from around Salatiga. Its products are already sold through marketplaces and have reached Australia and Hong Kong.
The visit continued to Dtech, a Salatiga-based research and technology company that produces motorcycle spare parts, train seats, and aircraft components. Founded in 2016 with 11 workers, Dtech now employs around 1,700 people and sells up to 18,000 motorcycle spare parts per day through live shopping. Minister Busan also joined one of the live shopping sessions to show support for local industry.
The final stop was PT Selalu Cinta Indonesia, a shoe factory producing Nike footwear for export. The company has absorbed up to 18,000 workers in Salatiga, strengthening the city’s role as one of Indonesia’s export-oriented manufacturing centers.
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