The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector in Indonesia possesses significant potential to drive the growth of the digital economy. In this regard, the government, through the Ministry of Trade, is actively encouraging MSMEs to leverage digital commerce or e-commerce. One of the initiatives undertaken is a collaboration with Snapcart Indonesia, a leading market research institution, to explore the potential and opportunities available for MSMEs to expand their businesses via e-commerce platforms.
Recently, Snapcart published research aimed at identifying the most effective marketplaces for MSMEs and local brands.
"This study was conducted to provide insights into satisfaction, preferences, and the factors influencing the success of MSMEs in selecting marketplaces. This research is crucial for accelerating the efforts of MSMEs to advance through e-commerce and to enhance their competitiveness in the digital market," stated Helena Suri, Senior Research Manager at Snapcart, in an official statement on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
In Indonesia, several major marketplaces such as Shopee, Tokopedia, TikTok Shop, and Lazada are the primary choices for many MSMEs. According to Snapcart's findings, Shopee ranks first as the marketplace that offers the greatest benefits to sellers, with a percentage reaching 71%. This indicates that Shopee has successfully attracted numerous MSMEs due to its advantageous features, ranging from ease of selling to effective promotional programs. It is followed by Tokopedia (12%), TikTok Shop (11%), and Lazada (3%).
The marketplace plays a crucial role in the digital economy ecosystem of Indonesia, significantly impacting local economic growth. According to the e-Conomy SEA report by Google, the value of Indonesia's digital economy is projected to reach USD 82 billion in 2023, with expectations to grow to USD 110 billion by 2025. This potential indicates that marketplaces serve as a primary catalyst for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to introduce their products to a broader market.
The substantial benefits that SMEs derive from marketplaces extend beyond mere market access; they also encompass various features and innovations provided by each platform. For instance, Shopee offers interactive features and services that facilitate SMEs in reaching consumers, enhancing product visibility, and managing transactions efficiently. Similarly, Tokopedia and TikTok Shop present numerous initiatives and programs that bolster the competitiveness of local products in the digital marketplace.
Moreover, other factors influencing the success of SMEs in selling through marketplaces include transaction ease, security, and digital marketing support. Marketplaces provide secure payment systems and various promotions that assist SMEs in attracting a larger consumer base. Additionally, these platforms offer training and analytical tools that enable business owners to manage their online stores more professionally and effectively.