Jakarta, INTI - The Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) believes the Indonesia Open Network (ION) represents a strategic initiative to accelerate the digital transformation of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by creating a more open, efficient, and inclusive digital commerce ecosystem.
As the country's leading business association, APINDO has partnered with ION to expand business participation while encouraging the adoption of an open digital network across multiple industries.
"ION provides a shared infrastructure that connects businesses without relying on a single platform. Through interoperability, technology integration costs can be reduced, innovation can flourish, and MSMEs will gain broader access to markets," said APINDO Chairwoman Shinta W. Kamdani in Jakarta on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Shinta explained that Indonesia's MSME digitalization efforts continue to face several challenges, including fragmented online marketplaces, high technology integration costs, limited access to logistics and financing, and rising customer acquisition expenses.
ION Promotes an Interoperable Digital Ecosystem
According to APINDO, ION is expected to address these challenges by connecting marketplaces, logistics providers, payment systems, banks, and digital service providers within a single interoperable ecosystem.
"Interoperability is the key to the next phase of Indonesia's digital economy. Businesses only need to integrate once to access multiple services, lowering transaction costs while creating greater business opportunities," Shinta said.
ION was officially launched on July 7, 2026, as part of the strategic digital economy partnership between Indonesia and India.
While inspired by India's Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), Shinta emphasized that ION has been designed to meet Indonesia's unique economic conditions, institutional framework, and business environment, making it a national digital infrastructure tailored to local needs.
Expanding Opportunities for 64 Million MSMEs
Built around the principle of "Join Once. Sell Everywhere," ION aims to strengthen the competitiveness of approximately 64 million Indonesian MSMEs by simplifying access to digital commerce and expanding participation in the country's growing digital economy.
The initiative is also expected to promote greater economic inclusion while supporting Indonesia's long-term vision of becoming a digitally advanced economy under the Golden Indonesia 2045 agenda.
Conclusion
APINDO views the Indonesia Open Network as a significant milestone in building a more connected and inclusive digital economy. By enabling interoperability across digital platforms and services, ION is expected to reduce business barriers, empower millions of MSMEs, and accelerate Indonesia's journey toward sustainable digital transformation.
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