ASIATODAY.ID, SEOUL — Indonesia’s Ministry of Cooperatives is intensifying efforts to expand global market access for Indonesian cooperatives through a business matching initiative with South Korean companies and importers during the Smart Factory INNOBIZ Korea program at COEX, Seoul.
As part of the initiative, Kana Consumer Cooperative explored potential trade partnerships with prospective Korean business partners.
The initiative received positive support from South Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening business networks and economic cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea.
Kana’s participation in Seoul formed part of a broader Smart Factory agenda involving INNOBIZ Korea under the Korea–Indonesia Smart Factory Official Development Assistance (ODA) cooperation framework.
The program focuses on strengthening business capabilities, accelerating industrial transformation, and enhancing the competitiveness of enterprises through the adoption of advanced technology.
Through the program, Indonesia’s Ministry of Cooperatives emphasized that industrial transformation should not be limited to large corporations alone. Cooperatives, the ministry noted, must also be integrated into modern business ecosystems through stronger institutional support, expanded networking opportunities, and access to international business partners.
Discussions between Kana Consumer Cooperative and Korean importers covered a wide range of topics, including product potential, market demand, quality standards, supply readiness, shipping schemes, and opportunities for long-term cooperation.
The ministry views the initiative as part of a broader effort to position Indonesian cooperatives within global supply chains. To compete internationally, cooperatives are expected not only to maintain strong domestic operations but also to improve product quality, production capacity, quality assurance standards, and professional business governance.
Kana Consumer Cooperative is among the Indonesian cooperatives that has begun strengthening its business management through more modern governance practices. Improvements in management systems, product development, business services, and market analysis are seen as key foundations for expanding its reach into international markets.
Henra Saragih, Deputy for Institutional Affairs and Cooperative Digitalization at Indonesia’s Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, stated that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to elevating Indonesian cooperatives to a higher level of competitiveness.
According to Henra, cooperatives need greater exposure to international business forums in order to better understand global market demands, build strategic business networks, and communicate directly with prospective buyers.
“Through this business matching initiative, we aim to encourage cooperatives to become more prepared for export markets. Kana Consumer Cooperative has significant opportunities to expand its trade network and introduce Indonesian products to South Korean importers,” Henra said on May 14, 2026.
He further emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional capacity and business digitalization among Indonesian cooperatives. Cooperatives with strong governance, technological adaptability, and the ability to meet international market standards, he noted, will have greater opportunities to compete globally.
Jonathan Danang Wardhana, Chairman of Kana Consumer Cooperative, welcomed the initiative and described the meeting as an important opportunity for Kana to better understand the needs of the South Korean market while opening pathways for more targeted business cooperation.
“This opportunity marks an important step for Kana Consumer Cooperative to expand its market reach, improve product quality and business services, and establish sustainable trade partnerships with South Korean importers,” Jonathan stated.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Cooperatives hopes the business matching initiative will lead to concrete follow-up actions, including continued trade communication, product sample shipments, quality standard adjustments, and potential export contract negotiations with South Korean importers.
Through this initiative, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Indonesian cooperatives in becoming more adaptive, competitive, and globally connected. (Silvia Andriani)
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