The guest lecturer was the Head of Branding and Packaging Design Center (KDMK) of the General Directorate of Small, Medium, and Varied Industries from the Ministry of Industry, Agus Susilo, S.DP.

Agus started his presentation by describing the contribution of several economic sectors to Indonesia's GDP (Gross Domestic Product). The processing industry rises to be the highest GDP contributor in the second quarter of 2021. Some industries that fall under this sector are the food, beverage, chemical, and textile industries.

The Ministry of Industry made several efforts to raise the competitiveness of SMIs (Small and Medium Industries) so that they can compete in the national economy. Various programs that have been implemented include facilities that allow access to financing like Fintech Literacy and KUR. Provision of raw materials by establishing material centers and logistical cooperation are part of the plans as well. Other programs such as Indonesia Food Innovation and SMI e-Smart facilitate SMI owners by easing their business work.

For product packaging, the Ministry of Industry grants the HACCP safety system certification in food industries, ranging from the preparation, production, packaging, and storage procedures. To increase productivity, competitiveness, and growth, restructuring of SMIs is done.

Strategies to improve the packaging process and boost the competitiveness of SMI’s are fully supported by President Jokowi. Currently, there are 18 packaging facilities managed by their respective provincial governments and another 18 supervised by municipal governments.

Next, Agus told the story behind the founding of KDMK. "Both small and medium food industries in Indonesia have yet to pay attention to treat their products with the utmost care. This happens due to limited knowledge about both product and packaging's characteristics, design, and suitable technology to perform the process," Agus disclosed. In addition, most SMIs are unable to purchase large-scale packaging materials.

"Therefore, KDMK was created in 2003 to provide briefings on the appropriate packaging types, implement the selected branding designs for the SMIs, offer consultations on the manufacture of packaging materials, cater services to increase its distribution, as well as deliver information related to packaging and branding," Agus added.

However, most endeavors are inescapable from obstacles. In terms of human resources, many SMIs do not have experts to execute the ideal KDMK plans. Furthermore, accessibility to raw materials and skill in operating the required technology is still low to ensure the KDMK program performs smoothly.

Thus, the Ministry of Industry launched the KDMK website under the name “Platform Klinik Desain Merek Kemas” to solve issues concerning the KDMK implementation. The website can be accessed at https://e-klinikdesainmerekemas.kemenperin.go.id/.

Reporter: Yoel Enrico Meiliano (Food Engineering, 2020)

Translator: Ruth Nathania (Environmental Engineering, 2019)