Ministry Of Trade Collaborates With KAI, Food MSME Products Ready To Enter The Train Network

The Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) cooperates with PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) and its subsidiary, PT Reska Multi Usaha (KAI Services), to open market access for food products for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) so that they can enter KAI's business network.

This step is realized through business matching between KAI and 25 packaged food MSMEs that have been curated by the Ministry of Trade. The activity took place at the Auditorium of the Ministry of Trade, Jakarta, Tuesday, September 30.

The Director General of Domestic Trade of the Ministry of Trade, Iqbal S. Shofwan said this synergy was part of an effort to expand the marketing of local packaged food MSME products, especially in KAI Services' captive market.

"This time the focus of expansion is directed to the KAI Services captive market, which reaches 16 million inter-city passengers per month," Iqbal said in an official statement, Monday, October 6.

The products displayed by MSMEs include snacks, ready-to-eat drinks, and cooking spices. Iqbal hopes that these superior products can be present in various carriages and KAI Services business facilities, such as Loko Cafe, Loco Cafe Go, Soybean Carriages, and on-train restaurants.

"We hope that all train passengers can enjoy these superior products soon," said Iqbal.

Iqbal said that apart from expanding distribution, this collaboration is also considered promising because the domestic food market continues to grow. Based on the Ministry of Trade's projection, the food sector will grow an average of 6.88 percent per year by 2025'30, with a potential revenue of 353.7 million US dollars by 2025.

"The collaboration between the Ministry of Trade and KAI Services provides a great opportunity for packaged food MSMEs to fill the large domestic market," said Iqbal.

Acting (Plt) President Director of KAI Services, Ririn Widi Astutik welcomed strategic cooperation with the Ministry of Trade. He appreciated this collaboration as an effort to bring the diversity of Indonesian MSME products inside the station and inside the train carriage.

Ririn said this initiative could be encouraged to become a new icon when passengers enjoy a comfortable long journey.

"MSMEs are able to gain wider market access through sales on trains (sales on trains), cafes, and electronic commerce (e-commerce), so as to be able to bridge KAI's customer needs for quality packaged food products, have a high taste image, and suit consumer preferences," said Ririn.