Sunday, 12 July 2026
BANDA ACEH | INDATANEWS.COM - Chairman of the Banda Aceh City Council (DPRK), Irwansyah ST, emphasized that strengthening the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector must become one of the top priorities in the city's economic development strategy.
According to Irwansyah, it is not enough for the government merely to encourage people to start new businesses. Instead, an economic ecosystem must be created to connect SME products with appropriate markets. The availability of marketing spaces remains one of the biggest challenges currently faced by many local entrepreneurs.
"Our SMEs must receive the best possible support from the government. They need assistance with packaging, branding, and most importantly, market access. The biggest problem facing our SMEs today is that, on average, they do not have sufficient markets for their products," Irwansyah said while attending an SME capacity-building training event organized by the Banda Aceh Office of Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Trade (Diskopukmdag) at Al-Hanifi Hotel, Banda Aceh, on Monday, June 29, 2026.
Irwansyah explained that the Banda Aceh City Government needs to create more economic spaces that can be utilized by SMEs to introduce and directly sell their products to the public.
One of the initiatives he continues to promote is the expansion of the Car-Free-Day (CFD) area in Banda Aceh. He said the CFD has proven to be an effective economic space because it directly connects sellers and buyers without placing additional financial burdens on entrepreneurs.
"I have previously proposed extending the Car Free Day area—not only along Jalan Daud Beureueh but also by expanding the zone or increasing the available space. This could become a new market for SMEs," he said.
According to Irwansyah, expanding the CFD area could provide a solution for SMEs that have experienced difficulties in marketing their products. Public spaces should not only serve as venues for social activities but also become centers for creative economic transactions.
He also stated his readiness to seek solutions for entrepreneurs facing difficulties in obtaining suitable selling locations, including challenges related to permits.
"If there is no suitable location due to permit issues, report it to the DPRK chairman. I will coordinate with the relevant authorities so that an appropriate space can be provided," he said.
Irwansyah considered the existence of CFD a major advantage because residents and entrepreneurs can utilize the space without having to pay rental fees or other charges.
"Imagine how beneficial it would be for the people of Banda Aceh if there were business spaces that could be used free of charge. The question is how we can improve it in the future—whether by extending the zone or expanding the area," he explained.
In addition to expanding CFD, Irwansyah urged the government to revitalize trade centers and markets that can serve as business locations for small traders.
Irwansyah also addressed the issue of regulating coffee-truck vendors along Jalan Daud Beureueh some time ago. He said the government must take a more solution-oriented approach when reorganizing commercial activities.
He emphasized that efforts to maintain public order should not simply force businesses to stop operating without providing alternative and appropriate selling spaces for traders.
"We cannot simply prohibit them from selling without offering a solution. That is why the DPRK previously invited Satpol PP and the Trade Office (Disperindag) for a hearing. Fortunately, there was an extension of the deadline, so the traders were not immediately disadvantaged by the policy," he explained.
According to him, the government must maintain a balance between urban planning and protecting the economic livelihoods of residents. Small traders who depend on their businesses for income must continue to be given opportunities to sustain their economic activities.
Irwansyah described SMEs as one of the most important economic sectors for Banda Aceh because the city currently has limited large-scale industries or manufacturing companies capable of absorbing significant numbers of workers.
He explained that although the tourism sector has considerable growth potential, it still faces various challenges, including high airfares that affect tourist arrivals.
"If we do not strengthen SMEs, then besides tourism, we do not have many other economic sectors. At the same time, tourism also faces challenges. Therefore, we must take SME development very seriously," he said.
He emphasized that the Banda Aceh City Government together with the DPRK would continue seeking ways to develop and strengthen economic sectors based on the city's regional characteristics.
"If we do not yet have major industries and the number of large hotels is also limited, then we must strengthen SMEs. The way to achieve this is by creating more markets," he said.
Besides providing business spaces, Irwansyah called on the government and various community groups to organize more creative events such as festivals, exhibitions, and local product fairs.
He said such events are not only intended for public entertainment but also serve as strategic platforms to introduce SME products and stimulate regional economic growth.
"Creative events must be held in Banda Aceh. If there are no events, we will lose important opportunities. Our SMEs need markets. Exhibitions, sales booths, and festivals are all places where they can sell their products," he said.
Irwansyah explained that financial circulation generated through creative economic events creates positive impacts on society. These activities generate transactions involving SMEs, creative workers, service providers, and other supporting economic sectors.
He also encouraged all institutions involved in strengthening the community's economy to continue playing an active role in SME development.
However, he stressed that government support must be accompanied by entrepreneurs' willingness to continuously improve the quality and capabilities of their businesses.
"If the government provides support but SME entrepreneurs themselves are not willing to improve the quality of their businesses, it will be difficult to make progress. Today's competition is not only with businesses from outside but also among SMEs themselves," he explained.
Irwansyah emphasized that SME entrepreneurs must be able to adapt to current developments through innovation, creativity, and the use of digital technology.
One important focus is building a strong business brand. Quality products must be supported by a clear identity so they can compete and achieve higher market value.
"If SMEs do not carry out branding, they should not expect to move forward. They may remain in the same position. But if they want to reach a higher level, branding is one of the keys," he stressed.
He also reminded entrepreneurs not to reject technological developments, particularly social media as a tool for promotion and marketing.
"Do not be against mobile phones and do not be against social media. If you want to remain visible, social media must become part of your daily activities. Do not focus on the negative aspects; instead, use the positive opportunities to develop your business," he said.
According to Irwansyah, the ability to utilize digital media is a crucial factor for SMEs in expanding market reach, building customer trust, and strengthening competitiveness in an increasingly open economic environment. (IDCN)
REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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