Bandung, February 12, 2025 - In order to increase the income of the MSME sector in Bandung City and simultaneously the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through the sale of local products, the Bandung City Trade and Industry Office held the “Go Export Mentoring Program” for 6 days, from February 4 to February 12, 2025, at Hotel Savoy Homann, Bandung, West Java. A total of 100 MSME actors from Bandung City attended and welcomed the activity with great enthusiasm.

To support technical training as well as the material provided related to the orientation of export concepts and opportunities for MSMEs, the event also featured expert speakers from several institutions and universities, including two representatives from Dian Nusantara University, namely; Prof. Dr. Ari Purwanti, SE., M.Ak., a Professor of Accounting who discussed "Export-Oriented Small Business Financial Reporting” and Mr. Eriklex Donald, S.E, M.M., Director of Innovation and Business Development, Business Exporter, and Lecturer in the Management Study Program.

One of the buyers from Western Europe, Mr. Joop Baaijens from the Netherlands, served as a country representative and speaker discussing Export Industry 5.0, which integrates internet networks into the export business sector. In his sharing session, Mr. Joop Baaikens emphasized the importance of local government involvement in ensuring the standards of Bandung City's MSME products meet international market criteria.

“The government is expected to assist in obtaining export permits abroad. There are various regulations to consider, starting from product quality to local permits. In this context, it is hoped that the local Trade and Industry Office can facilitate the export process of Bandung City's MSME products,” said Mr. Joop Baaikens.

Furthermore, he added that apart from government involvement, universities can accelerate export activities by equipping MSME actors with the necessary knowledge.

Mr. Eriklex Donald stated that this year's Go Export mentoring program aims to encourage the local MSME sector, especially in Bandung City, to enter the Western European market through the Port of Rotterdam or Schiphol Airport. He shared his experiences from his visits to the Netherlands and several other countries in Western Europe.

“Through my observations, I learned that the European Customs Authority is familiar with products from Indonesia due to the high import traffic of Indonesian products. According to the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague, there are nearly 2 million Indonesian diasporas, and more than 400 Indonesian culinary businesses spread across the Netherlands, including restaurants, shops, and home catering businesses. The European Union's regulation of ‘one border, one regulation’ allows Indonesian products to pass through Dutch Customs and be directly distributed to 450 million EU citizens,” said Mr. Eriklex Donald.

He added that Indonesian MSME products must also have certifications required to enter the EU territory. There are three export product standards: mandatory standards, general standards, and special standards. The role of the government in supporting export-oriented businesses is crucial. Firstly, providing technical knowledge through programs like Mentoring Go Export. Secondly, facilitating the shipment of product samples to potential buyers.

H. Muammar Khaddafi FB, SE, MAB, Young Trade Analyst and Sub Coordinator of Export-Import at the Bandung City Trade and Industry Office, stated, “Our export activities in 2025 are now in their fifth year, aiming to provide guidance to MSME actors in Bandung City.” This year, the Bandung City Trade and Industry Office plans to evaluate and select several MSMEs deemed capable of meeting the targets as businesses that can export to the Western European market, particularly to the Netherlands and Germany.

Dr. Jerry Sambuaga, Vice Rector for External Relations at Pelita Harapan University, who delivered a presentation on "The Role of Universities and Students in Supporting Export-Oriented Businesses to Increase National and Regional GDP," stated, “We have the desire and commitment to help business actors because this is also important for the Main Performance Indicators (IKU) of higher education institutions, which is to provide entrepreneurial experience for students outside the campus.”

It is hoped that the 6-day entrepreneurship conference and discussion will not only provide good and professional training for local MSMEs but also offer opportunities for non-entrepreneurs to enter and learn about the business world to advance the country's economic sector and human resources.