Jakarta, INTI - Artificial intelligence (AI) is opening up new opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to grow their businesses, expand market reach, and strengthen competitiveness.
These opportunities were highlighted by the Sidenreng Rappang (Sidrap) Regency Government during the National Policy Convening (NPC) AIM ASEAN forum, held in Makassar on Monday, November 9, 2026.
Through the forum, the Sidrap Regency Government explored various ideas and strategies for leveraging AI to support MSME development, particularly in responding to digital technological advancements and evolving market demands.
Adli Lukman, Head of the Sidrap Office of Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, Manpower, and Transmigration, attended the event, which brought together representatives from government institutions, academia, communities, and development partners.
AI Adoption Opportunities and Challenges for MSMEs in Eastern Indonesia
The forum examined both the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption among MSMEs in Eastern Indonesia. Key issues included limited access to technology, digital literacy gaps, workforce readiness, and the need for tailored assistance that reflects the characteristics of local businesses.
The discussions were organized into two talk show sessions. The first, titled “Towards Safe, Supported, and Sustainable Use of AI for MSMEs,” featured Ima Rahmania, Deputy Assistant for Micro Enterprises at the Ministry of MSMEs; Syamsu Rizal, Member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives; and Firdaus Daeng Manye, Regent of Takalar.
The second session, titled “Revisiting the Opportunities and Constraints of AI Use in Eastern Indonesia,” featured Aidil Wicaksono, Founder and Managing Director of Kaizen Collaborative Impact; Andi Fadly Arifuddin, Advisor to the Butta Porea Indonesia Foundation; and Diyanto Imam, Program Director of New Energy Nexus Indonesia.
Both sessions explored the policy support and ecosystem needed to ensure that MSMEs can adopt AI safely and sustainably. Discussions also highlighted opportunities for technology adoption in Eastern Indonesia, alongside challenges related to accessibility, human resource readiness, business mentoring, and collaboration among government institutions, communities, academia, and the private sector.
Adli Lukman expressed his appreciation for the organization of the forum. He noted that NPC AIM ASEAN provides a strategic platform for stakeholders to exchange perspectives and discuss how AI can be adopted safely, with adequate support, and sustainably by business owners.
“For us in Sidrap Regency, the insights gained from this forum serve as an important foundation for strengthening the employment ecosystem and encouraging local MSMEs to become more adaptive to digital technology and better prepared to compete inclusively,” he said.
AIM ASEAN Expands Digital Training and Stakeholder Collaboration
The event was part of the AIM ASEAN (AI for MSME Advancement in ASEAN) program, an initiative by the ASEAN Foundation in collaboration with AVPN, with support from Google.org. Running from November 2025 to August 2026, the program aims to help MSMEs across Southeast Asia understand and integrate AI into their business operations.
Ismita Saputri, Executive Director of Kaizen Collaborative Impact, revealed that the implementation of AIM ASEAN in Indonesia had reached 13 provinces, involving a total of 24,182 MSMEs in training activities as of September 2026.
These achievements were supported by collaboration with local governments, universities, communities, and local partners. The program also seeks to broaden access to digital technology education for MSMEs, particularly in Eastern Indonesia.
The series of activities continued with a Focus Group Discussion (FGD), involving participants divided into eight groups. Each group identified local business conditions, needs, challenges, and opportunities for technology-driven MSME development.
Participants were also tasked with developing at least three action recommendations per group, complete with stakeholder responsibilities, implementation timelines, and success indicators.
The outcomes of the discussions were consolidated into the Makassar Declaration, which outlines key recommendations and stakeholder commitments to expanding AI adoption among MSMEs.
The document is expected to serve as a reference for local governments, academic institutions, supporting organizations, and development partners in designing initiatives that address the specific needs of MSMEs.
For Sidrap, the insights gathered through the forum provide valuable guidance for exploring more targeted AI adoption strategies, ensuring that digital technological advancements can contribute to the growth and competitiveness of local businesses.
Conclusion
The NPC AIM ASEAN forum highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in strengthening MSME competitiveness. Through digital education, stakeholder collaboration, and targeted support, Sidrap aims to encourage local businesses to adopt AI and take advantage of emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
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