USABC Advances Indonesian MSME Growth Through Innovation and Digital Solutions at Bali Workshop

(Bali, Indonesia) – On June 5, The US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), in collaboration with Indonesia’s Ministry of MSME, the Indonesian Women Entrepreneurs Association (IWAPI), and the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), organized a capacity-building program for Indonesian MSMEs at the Apple Developer Academy Bali as part of the 2026 SME Workshop Series: Building Resiliency for ASEAN MSMEs. ​ The workshop — focused on practical applications of digital technologies, innovative business models, talent development, and strategies to help MSMEs scale sustainably — was attended by more than 100 Indonesian entrepreneurs.

The workshop featured remarks by Ms. Nugraheni Utami, USABC’s Chief Country Representative for Indonesia, Mr. Anthony Nelson, USABC Institute Board of Director and Managing Director at DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group, Mr. Dr. I Wayan Ekadina, S.E., M.Si., Expert Staff to the Governor of Bali for Economics and Finance, Mr. Dr. Sudaryano Rahmalifman Lamangkona, Expert Staff to the Minister for Inter-Institutional Relations, Ministry of MSMEs, and H.E. Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, Vice Minister of Trade Indonesia. ​ ​

The workshop also featured a keynote presentation on advancing digital solutions and innovation for MSME growth by Mr. Dr. Sudaryano Rahmalifman Lamangkona, S.Sos., M.Si, Expert Staff to the Minister for Inter-Institutional Relations, Ministry of MSME. ​

A panel discussion on digitization, government policy, and issues surrounding MSMEs followed, featuring Mr. Bayu Nugroho, Director of Market Development and Export Information, Directorate General of National Export Development, Ministry of Trade, and Mr. Dickie Sulistya Aprilyanto, Head of the Bali Fashion and Craft Industry Empowerment Center (BPIFK), Ministry of Industry. ​

Daridata, Apple Developer Academy alumni, Ms. Gabrielle Johnny, Director of Government Affairs, Corporate Communications, and Sustainability of PepsiCo Indonesia, and Ms. Olivia Anastasia Padang, Chief Executive Officer of Bali Waste Cycle, also shared practical experiences and best practices. ​ ​

“Accelerating digital readiness is essential for safeguarding the resilience of ASEAN MSMEs, including Indonesia, in today’s rapidly changing market. This workshop represents our ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between global technology solutions and local business ingenuity,” said Ms. Nugraheni Utami. “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Indonesian government, KADIN, IWAPI, and our member companies to equip local entrepreneurs with the actionable insights required to scale their operations and drive the national digital economy forward.”

“Empowering SMEs with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to succeed in an increasingly digital economy is essential to Indonesia’s long-term economic resilience and competitiveness,” said Mr. Anthony Nelson. “Through initiatives such as the ASEAN SME Program, USABC remains committed to fostering collaboration between government, industry, and entrepreneurs to help SMEs unlock new growth opportunities.”

The workshop was supported by USABC member companies: Apple Developer Academy and PepsiCo Indonesia. ​ ​

Since 2014, USABC has conducted nine SME capacity-building programs in Indonesia as part of its broader SME Program, reaching approximately 40,000 SMEs through more than 70 programs, reinforcing its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive economic development throughout the region. For more information about USABC’s SME Program, visit https://www.usasean.org/workforce-development-pillar.