Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade Collaborates with Bukalapak to Empower Warungs and SMEs

On January 10, Minister of Trade Budi Santoso met with Bukalapak's Director Victor Lesmana at the Ministry of Trade office in Jakarta to discuss strategic initiatives supporting Indonesia’s digital economy. This collaboration aims to empower traditional kiosks, known as warungs, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through digital transformation programs.

Bukalapak’s digitalization initiatives align with the government’s broader goal of advancing economic transformation. The company’s Mitra program plays a crucial role by equipping warung operators with digital tools to modernize their operations. With access to features like digital payment systems, money transfers, and online product ordering, warungs can expand their services and improve their competitiveness in the digital age.

Promoting Local Products in the Digital Marketplace

Minister Santoso emphasized the importance of prioritizing local products, including traditional goods and digital innovations such as locally developed games. He encouraged Bukalapak and other e-commerce platforms to assist SMEs in onboarding their businesses by offering training, product curation, and dedicated spaces for promoting domestic products.

This aligns with recent government efforts to enhance the role of Indonesian SMEs in the e-commerce sector. By supporting local entrepreneurs, the Ministry aims to boost their competitiveness while ensuring fair trade practices in Indonesia’s digital marketplace.

Bukalapak’s Role in Economic Transformation

Bukalapak's Director Victor Lesmana reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empowering Indonesian SMEs and warungs. He highlighted the significant progress made through partnerships and technological advancements. By enabling millions of warungs to digitize their operations, Bukalapak has transformed these traditional businesses into modern, efficient enterprises.

The Mitra Bukalapak program, in particular, has become a game-changer for warung operators, offering them access to new revenue streams and empowering them as key players in their communities. Additionally, the digitalization of warungs contributes to financial inclusion, as they now serve as local hubs for banking and payment services.

A Collaborative Path Toward Economic Growth

The meeting between the Ministry of Trade and Bukalapak underscores the importance of collaboration between government institutions and private enterprises in fostering economic growth. By integrating SMEs and warungs into the digital economy, Indonesia can create a more inclusive and competitive marketplace.

Director of Electronic Commerce and Trade Services, Rifan Ardianto, who accompanied Minister Santoso, stated that the Ministry would continue to support initiatives aimed at advancing Indonesia’s digital economy while ensuring the sustainability of its development.

A Vision for the Future

Indonesia’s focus on digital transformation, supported by platforms like Bukalapak, demonstrates the country’s readiness to embrace innovation and adapt to global trends. With continued collaboration, the digitalization of warungs and SMEs can serve as a model for economic inclusion, driving growth while preserving local culture and products.