Indonesia seeks e-commerce support to create 10 million entrepreneurs
The government is also targeting Rp40 trillion in transactions during the 2026 National Online Shopping Day, scheduled for December 10-16.
Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar has called on online marketplaces and the Indonesian E-Commerce Association (idEA) to help meet a government goal of creating 10 million new entrepreneurs over five years.
At a meeting in Jakarta, Iskandar said digital commerce should help people start businesses, develop products and reach customers, rather than focus only on increasing transactions. He said meeting the entrepreneurship target would require participation from business associations and platform operators.
He directed ministry officials to work with idEA and other stakeholders on partnerships to widen digital market access for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He also sought support for products from businesses receiving training through ministries responsible for MSMEs, cooperatives, villages and Indonesian migrant worker protection.
Iskandar said the 2026 National Online Shopping Day, known as Harbolnas, should help government-assisted MSMEs reach more buyers online. The event runs from December 10-16, with a government transaction target of Rp40 trillion, compared with Rp36.4 trillion in 2025.
idEA Deputy Chairperson Syarif Hidayatullah said e-commerce development should be accompanied by support for businesses. He proposed broader MSME training, university involvement in developing young entrepreneurs, and promotional events and bazaars showcasing local products.
