economy

Ministry Of Industry Boosts Food SMEs To Meet Quality And Safety Standards

The Ministry of Industry continues to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to improve the quality of their products and their added value. Increasing added value is one of the important strategies in expanding the market and being able to compete with imported products.

Therefore, the Directorate General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industry (IKMA) is actively enhancing the capabilities of SMEs through various coaching programs and competitiveness improvement. For example, the implementation of Socialization and Workshop on Food Safety System for Food SMEs in Pangandaran Regency, West Java.

"In order to compete well in both domestic and international markets, food SMEs need to pay attention to food safety in all aspects of their production. Food safety is a crucial point in the food industry for marketing both domestically and internationally," said the Director General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industry, Reni Yanita, in her statement in Jakarta, Wednesday (24/7).

Food safety includes the selection of raw materials, hygienic production practices, strict quality monitoring and control, as well as training for workers on food safety. "Thus, they can ensure that their products are safe for consumption and meet the necessary standards to achieve success in the food industry," Reni explained.

She mentioned that safety standards can create opportunities for Indonesian food SME products to enter the export market. However, currently, many SMEs need coaching to meet food standards such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) or Good Processed Food Production Practices (CPPOB).

Reni stated that the Directorate General of IKMA consistently provides GMP and HACCP certification facilities for Food SMEs. From 2011 to 2023, a total of 153 food SMEs have received GMP or HACCP certification facilities, with 61 SMEs having GMP certificates and 92 SMEs having HACCP certificates.

Reni expressed that Haveltea from PT Havelindo Vita Lestari is one of the SMEs that has obtained HACCP facilities from the Directorate General of IKMA. The tea company introduces Artisan Indonesian Tea that combines herbal ingredients such as flowers, fruits, and typical Indonesian spices, and currently Havel Tea has successfully penetrated the international market from the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore to Hong Kong.

Moreover, by having an HACCP certificate, Haveltea can be trusted to partner with hotels, restaurants, and cafes (horeca) and expand access to the national market.

Reni explained that various challenges and obstacles are still found by SMEs in meeting food safety standards, including inadequate production buildings and facilities, inadequate sanitation and hygiene levels of employees, equipment that does not meet requirements, poor production process supervision, and inconsistent final product specifications. "By improving and enhancing these aspects, Indonesian food SME producers can improve their position to compete in the export market," she continued.

Director of Food SMEs, Furniture, and Building Materials, Yedi Sabaryadi reported that the Socialization and Workshop on Food Safety System for Food SMEs in Pangandaran Regency was attended by 27 food SME players, with 12 SMEs from Pangandaran Regency, 10 SMEs from Ciamis Regency, and 5 SMEs from Banjar City.

"The materials we provide are about introducing and understanding food safety systems and procedures for certification systems for the food industry," he said.

Yedi added that the Directorate General of IKMA will continue to encourage SME players to understand and implement food safety systems in the industry. Through workshop activities, it is hoped that food SME players can gain a deep understanding of the implementation of food safety systems.

Tag: CPPOB Havelindo Vita Lestari IKMA Ministry Of Industry SMEs