Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Industry Ministry urges small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to optimize the use of technology, as opportunities for digital economic transactions in Indonesia continue to grow rapidly.According to Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, digital transformation is key for SMEs to expand their market reach and improve their competitiveness amidst increasing global competition.SMEs need to improve their capabilities to grow and develop amidst competition, including from imported products, such as by strengthening online promotions, he noted.”We are consistently implementing a digital literacy improvement program for SMEs to help them use and leverage digital marketing to expand their market reach,” Kartasasmita said in his statement, Tuesday.In implementing this program, the ministry collaborates with various stakeholders, from regional industry offices and academics to industry and business practitioners, to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of strengthening national SMEs.According to a survey by the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), the number of internet users in Indonesia will reach 229.43 million in 2025.Meanwhile, data from the Trade Ministry shows the number of e-commerce users in 2025 is projected to reach 73.06 million, an 11 percent increase compared to 2024 and an 89 percent jump compared to 2020.A report by Google, Temasek, as well as Bain & Company, recorded that the value of e-commerce transactions in Indonesia throughout 2025 reached approximately Rp192.8 trillion, equivalent to US$71 billion.To strengthen online promotion of SMEs and enable them to capitalize on this potential, the government is intensifying efforts through digital literacy workshops — in cooperation with various related stakeholders.”Digital marketing is a must for businesses, especially SMEs, as it offers advantages over conventional marketing,” the ministry’s director general of SMEs, Reni Yanita, noted.She added that technological developments also open up opportunities for utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in marketing strategies.”AI enables businesses to personalize promotions based on consumer preferences, predict market trends, and analyze customer behavior more accurately, thereby significantly increasing marketing effectiveness,” she said.In addition, the Industry Ministry continues to develop the e-Smart IKM program, which has been running since 2017. To date, 31,634 SMEs have participated in the program through various digital literacy activities.