Jakarta, INTI - A total of 150 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) owners in Wonogiri Regency participated in a Practical Artificial Intelligence (AI) Training Program organized by the Directorate General of Digital Ecosystem (DJED) of Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs in collaboration with the Wonogiri Regency Government. The event was held at the Khayangan Hall of the Wonogiri Regional Secretariat Complex on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
Director General of Digital Ecosystem, Edwin Hidayat Abdullah, who attended the event, stated that the training program was the first of its kind in Indonesia.
“Wonogiri Regency is the first location we selected in Indonesia for the implementation of this training program,” he said, drawing enthusiastic responses from participants.
According to Edwin, Wonogiri was chosen as the pilot location due to its strong potential in tourism, creative industries, local products, and community-based MSMEs rooted in local wisdom.
AI Adoption Expected to Boost MSME Competitiveness
He explained that MSMEs play a strategic role in driving local economic growth while supporting sustainable tourism ecosystems. However, many business owners still face challenges in adopting digital technologies, including limited digital literacy, access to technology, and understanding of digital business models.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is introducing AI applications to MSMEs to help improve productivity and strengthen business competitiveness.
“Those who master AI will gain greater knowledge, work more efficiently, and achieve higher productivity. We do not want MSMEs to be left behind. They must adapt to AI as quickly as possible to prevent new gaps from emerging in the digital economy,” Edwin said.
Meanwhile, Head of the Wonogiri Manpower and Industry Office, Wiyanto, who officially opened the event and delivered remarks on behalf of the Regent of Wonogiri, emphasized that various training programs continue to be implemented to enhance human resource quality and improve the competitiveness of MSME products.
He noted that MSME development is a key component of maintaining economic stability, strengthening purchasing power, and ensuring business sustainability within local communities.
“Encouraging MSMEs to grow goes hand in hand with maintaining public purchasing power to ensure business activities continue to thrive. This integrated condition requires comprehensive attention from all stakeholders,” he said.
According to data from the Wonogiri Trade, Cooperative, and MSME Office, as of the end of 2025, a total of 62,628 MSMEs had obtained a Business Identification Number (NIB). The figure consists of 62,282 micro enterprises, 305 small enterprises, and 21 medium-sized enterprises.
Most of these businesses operate in wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, accommodation and food services, construction, transportation, education services, and various other service sectors.
Wiyanto added that the NIB registration and data collection process also involved scholarship students, serving as an educational initiative to increase public awareness of digital technologies and services.
“The MSME registration program through NIB issuance is one of the Wonogiri Regency Government’s strategies to create opportunities for MSMEs to expand further, including entering digital markets and online marketplaces with broader reach,” he explained.
He expressed hope that the training would provide practical benefits for MSME owners in developing their businesses and improving their ability to adapt to technological advancements.
Practical AI Skills for Business Growth
The training featured Dista Ayu Marsega, an MSME practitioner, Practical AI mentor, and Indonesia Canva Ambassador, as the keynote speaker. Topics covered included AI fundamentals for marketing and sales, prompt engineering, content and advertising copy creation, visual design, slogan and promotional jingle development, and website creation for MSME products using AI-powered tools.
Participants showed strong enthusiasm throughout the program, which ran from morning until afternoon. In addition to hands-on practice sessions, the event included interactive activities, souvenir giveaways, door prizes, and ice-breaking sessions that further energized attendees.
Conclusion
The Practical AI Training Program in Wonogiri marks an important milestone in Indonesia’s efforts to accelerate digital transformation among MSMEs. By equipping entrepreneurs with AI-driven tools and digital skills, the initiative aims to enhance productivity, strengthen competitiveness, and prepare local businesses to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy. As the first program of its kind in the country, it also highlights the growing role of AI in supporting inclusive economic growth and empowering MSMEs to participate more actively in the digital marketplace.
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