Collaboration of Cakap and MDI Ventures, Promoting Digitalization of MSMEs in Banyuwangi

Kapanlagi.com - Banyuwangi is a city with potential MSME development prospects, with 296,706 active MSME players in the area based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) as of August 2024. Given this fact, the city, nicknamed The Sunrise of Java for being the first area to receive sunlight on Java Island, has been chosen as the location for an innovative program for empowering MSMEs in tourist villages.

The UMKM Bangkit Bersama Digital initiative was officially launched through the Kick-Off Program Digibiz Tourism Series: UMKM Bangkit Bersama Digital event held at Grand Harvest, Banyuwangi. With promising MSME prospects in Banyuwangi, Cakap will provide access to education, supported by MDI Ventures.

Donald Wihardja, CEO of MDI Ventures, stated, "Through the Digibiz Tourism Series Program, MDI together with Cakap is expected to enhance the competitiveness of MSME business players in the area around Kawah Ijen to further develop their businesses while also advancing the tourism sector in the region."

1. Create Positive Impact

Cakap

In addition, the collaboration between MDI and Cakap through Digibiz also reflects MDI Ventures' commitment to social responsibility to continue creating positive impacts for the community through its startup portfolio, which is expected to help MSMEs around Kawah Ijen to face challenges while leveraging existing potential to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth. The collaboration between Cakap and MDI Ventures marks a strategic step in supporting the digitalization of MSMEs in tourist villages.

After successfully empowering 50 MSMEs in Yogyakarta and Central Java in last year's program, this year the Digibiz program expands its reach to 100 MSMEs around Kawah Ijen, covering Banyuwangi, Jember, and Bondowoso. With a focus on online training for four months, participants will gain relevant business management and digital marketing skills to enhance their business competitiveness.

2. Synergy Between Industries

In his speech, Tomy Yunus, CEO & Co-founder of Cakap expressed enthusiasm in supporting this event. He believes that synergy between industries is the key to accelerating progress for tourist villages.

"We at Cakap are very proud to be part of the Digibiz Tourism Series program aimed at empowering MSMEs in tourist villages through technology and digitalization. This collaboration is a tangible proof of how the education and investment sectors can synergize to create sustainable social and economic impact. We are committed to continuing to support the digital transformation of MSMEs in Indonesia, especially in areas with great potential like Banyuwangi," said Tomy.

3. Interesting Agenda for the Kick-off Event

Talk

This kick-off event featured various interesting agendas, including remarks from local government and organizers emphasizing the importance of cross-sector collaboration in driving the local economy. Next, there was a Talkshow themed Digital Transformation and Business Strategies for MSMEs in Tourist Villages, which presented inspiring speakers from the education, technology, and business sectors.

The kick-off was also closed with a symbolic presentation of scholarships to representatives of participants as a tangible commitment to support the development of MSMEs. On this occasion, Ainur Rofiq, Head of Marketing at the Banyuwangi Department of Culture and Tourism, conveyed that the Banyuwangi local government appreciates this initiative as a concrete step to support the vision of developing more competitive and sustainable tourist villages.

"I would like to thank MDI Ventures and Cakap, who have conducted training or upskilling activities for MSME actors in the Banyuwangi area. Hopefully, this activity will have an impact, can increase sales, can open networks, and ultimately improve the welfare of MSME actors in the Banyuwangi area. I also hope that this activity can continue, especially more thematic activities such as digital marketing, packaging, and improving product quality for MSME actors," said Ainur.

4. Digitalization of MSMEs

The Digibiz program not only offers technical training but also builds collaborative networks among MSMEs, investors, and the local community. Through digitalization, it is hoped that MSMEs in tourist villages can expand their markets, improve operational efficiency, and create more competitive products.

Digibiz Tourism Series is an empowerment program for MSMEs designed to enhance the capacity of entrepreneurs in the tourism sector through technology and digitalization approaches. Cakap, as a strategic partner, has experience running impactful programs in various regions in Indonesia such as Trenggalek, Kupang, and Anambas.

With the implementation of the program in Banyuwangi, it adds to the list of cities receiving continuous competency improvements. By utilizing online training from Cakap and strategic support from MDI Ventures, this program aims to create an effective and innovative business ecosystem.

(kpl/rsp)