Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said in a statement released in Jakarta on Thursday that developing new industrial entrepreneurs is a key strategy to create inclusive economic growth and improve public welfare, especially in transmigration regions.
"This program reflects the government's commitment to delivering integrated, targeted, and sustainable economic empowerment. By strengthening community capacity, we aim to produce new industrial players capable of processing regional potential into value-added products while creating local jobs," Kartasasmita explained.
One strategic initiative was realized through the Technical Guidance Program for New Entrepreneurs in the Processed Fish Food Industry, held in the Barelang Transmigration Area, Batam, Riau Islands, from July 27 through July 30, 2026.
The program follows up on Presidential Instruction No. 8 of 2025 on Poverty Alleviation and Extreme Poverty Eradication, serving as a joint initiative between the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Transmigration.
Organized by the ministry's Directorate General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries (IKMA), the activity forms part of the Integrated Coastal Area Poverty Alleviation Synergy Program (SiTaskin Pesisir) in Batam, which was launched on July 7, 2026.
According to Kartasasmita, the technical guidance aims to optimize local fisheries potential by enhancing skills in entrepreneurship, business management, financing, digital marketing, and fish processing practices.
He emphasized that SMIs hold a strategic position as drivers of local economies by absorbing labor, expanding business opportunities, and boosting community income.
"SMIs play a strategic role in strengthening local economies, creating jobs, and supporting poverty alleviation. Therefore, strengthening SMI capacity is an important step toward independent, productive, and sustainable growth," he stressed.
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Translator: Ahmad, Kenzu
Editor: Arie Novarina
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