STRATEGI MENINGKATKAN EKSPOR PRODUK-PRODUK USAHA MIKRO KECIL DAN MENENGAH INDONESIA: STUDI KASUS DI KABUPATEN SLEMAN DAN KOTA SURABAYA

Abstract

Although the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector is a strategic sector, which absorbs labor and contributes to the largest gross domestic product (GDP), its contribution to exports is still very low. This study aims to analyze the factors that cause the small exports of MSME products, and efforts to encourage the export of MSME products. In achieving the goal, this study used interview techniques (in-depth interviews and focus group discussions) and documentation studies and then analyzed based on the qualitative-descriptive approach. The results of this study indicate that the causes of low exports of MSME products are divided into two types, namely internal and external causes. The internal constraint includes management being still traditional, employers not having product certificate of origin (SKA), product quality and human resources being low, and so forth. The external constraint includes weakening global economic growth, inconsistent central policy on exports, lack of facility to send products abroad, lack of skilled labor, and so forth. Some efforts have been made to encourage exports of MSME products. MSME producers are encouraged to arrange certificates of origin, get technical guidance on managerial exports, increase market share in the international market, facilitate exhibition activities, and facilitate product certification. There are several recommendations related to these findings; first, the government must provide guidance and training on managerial exports; and secondly, increase promotional activities abroad.