Indonesia Strengthens Intellectual Property Protection for Small Industries

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Industry continues to strengthen intellectual property (IP) protection for small and medium industries (IKM) as part of efforts to enhance the competitiveness and added value of Indonesia’s industrial products. Amid increasingly intense market competition, IP protection and ownership are becoming more important, as they not only provide legal certainty for creativity and innovation but also strengthen product identity and create opportunities to increase the economic value of businesses.

Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, stressed that industrial competition today is determined not only by the ability to produce high-quality products, but also by businesses’ ability to create and protect their identities, innovations, designs, brands, and unique characteristics.

“Intellectual property protection is an important part of the business development strategy for small and medium industries. With protected IP, businesses have a stronger foundation to increase product value, build consumer trust, expand markets, and enhance competitiveness,” Agus said in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

According to him, strengthening Indonesia’s IP ecosystem remains a shared responsibility. Based on the 2026 Special 301 Report issued by the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Indonesia remains on the Priority Watch List. This highlights the importance of continuously increasing awareness, protection, utilization, and enforcement of intellectual property rights.

“For small industries, intellectual property is not merely an administrative or registration matter. IP is a strategic and economic asset for business sustainability and growth,” Agus stressed.

As a concrete step to increase awareness and understanding among IKM businesses about the importance of IP, the Ministry of Industry, through its Directorate General of Small, Medium and Miscellaneous Industries (IKMA), held an Intellectual Property Awareness and Facilitation Program for small industries in Bantul Regency, Sleman Regency, and Yogyakarta City on August 26–27, 2026.

Agus said one form of IP that is closely linked to local potential and traditional knowledge is Geographical Indication (GI). GI protection is granted to goods or products with a reputation, quality, or characteristics attributable to their geographical origin, influenced by natural factors, human factors, or a combination of both.

“Geographical Indications are not merely labels or markers of a product’s origin. They reflect the identity of a region, including its traditions, skills, local knowledge, and production processes developed within the community. GI protection is expected not only to preserve product identity and distinctive characteristics, but also to increase added value, strengthen competitiveness, and generate economic benefits for artisans," he explained.

Meanwhile, Director General of Small, Medium and Miscellaneous Industries, Reni Yanita, said awareness of the importance of IP needs to be built from the earliest stages of a business. This is important because IP is not only related to legal protection but also represents an economic asset that can support business sustainability and growth.

“With proper protection, IKM businesses can reduce the risk of counterfeiting and imitation while building consumer confidence in their products,” Reni said.

According to her, when IKM businesses are able to protect their brands, designs, creative works, innovations, and potential geographical indications, their products will have a stronger foundation for increasing added value, expanding markets, and competing both nationally and globally.