Semarang, Indonesia - In a joint effort with the Colombo Plan, the Ministry of State Secretariat and the Ministry of Industry have successfully revived the Knowledge Sharing Programme on Enhancing the Development of Small and Medium Industries 2023. This annual capacity-building training program aims to provide valuable insights and skills to support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. Fifteen participants from nine countries, including Bangladesh, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia, recently took part in a training programme centred around the theme of "Enhancing small and medium industries through environmental and sustainable approaches." The objective of this training programme was to expose participants to the implementation of environmentally responsible concepts and green industries in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (UMKM), particularly in and around Semarang.
In a statement made at the opening event on Monday (3/7), Eva Laida, from Ministry of Industry, expressed optimism about the positive impact of a new training programme on small and medium-sized industries. Laida stated, "We expect that this training programme will improve the quality of small and medium-sized industries as drivers of economic growth."
Noviyanti, the Head of the International Technical Cooperation Bureau of Ministry State Secretariat, has emphasised the significance of implementing sustainable practises within small and medium-sized industries. This approach aims to not only combat environmental pollution but also enhance the competitiveness and innovation capabilities of these industries.
In a bid to foster knowledge exchange and promote the implementation of green industry practises, a comprehensive programme of activities has been meticulously prepared. Therefore, this programme employed the concept of knowledge sharing, utilising a combination of in-class sessions and field visits. By incorporating both theoretical and practical elements, the programme aimed to enhance the overall learning outcomes for participants.
Speakers in class sessions represented a variety of organisations, including ministries, local administrations, academic institutions, and startup enterprises. A representative from the local start-ups, Zerolim, shared its experience in addressing the environmental challenges encountered by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Malang and elsewhere on Java Island.
Participants had the opportunity to visit two notable facilities during the course of the programme: Center for Standardization and Industrial Pollution Prevention Services of Ministry of Industries and the Center for Environmental Testing and Laboratory of the Central Java Province. The participants also visited a number of small and medium-sized enterprises that have made significant improvements in implementing sustainable production practises. Both Roro Kenes and Zie Batik are notable examples of businesses that have effectively implemented green industry techniques.
Participants were expected to be able to share their experiences regarding the implementation of green industry in small and medium industries in their respective countries, as well as gain knowledge of Indonesia's best practises so that they could implement these in their own countries.