The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has recognized the positive impact of the curation and vocational programs of its East Java branch, which have supported the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region. Kadin head Arsyad Rasyid praised the initiative and suggested it could be followed in other regions. He also noted that the national and regional economic development and the empowerment of SMEs will be among the focal points of Kadin’s work in 2023. The East Java branch has developed programs to improve the entrepreneurship and competence of SMEs, with the aim of improving the region’s economy, which depends on 1.2 million SMEs. Kadin has developed an adaptive vocational program and promotes collaboration among businesses to help narrow the disparity between skills and industry requirements.
The East Java branch of Kadin also hosted the In-Company Trainer Program, a collaboration between Kadin Institute and IHK Trier Germany, which helps participants obtain certification that enables them to become consultants and assist in the development of vocational programs for other Kadin branches in East Java. Adik Dwi Putranto, head of Kadin’s East Java branch, said the chamber has provided support for SMEs to begin exporting products overseas. The programs have successfully encouraged and motivated SMEs to pursue their businesses, he added.