UGM Center for World Trade Studies (PSPD) in collaboration with the Directorate of Multilateral Trade, the Indonesian Ministry of Trade held a public consultation forum attended by academics, professionals, business entrepreneurs, and the government. This forum gave a presentation on the views and developments of the program in responding to e-commerce issues. Present as a speaker at the approval of Ir. Azhar Hasyim (director of e-business Kominfo), Enzeline Sariah, S.E., MOE (Ministry of Trade), Setyo Harsono, S.E. (representing the Indonesian E-Commerce Association), and Riza Noer Arfani, Ph.D. (PSPD UGM Director). It was explained about the e-commerce dilemma which on one hand had to be followed but on the other hand, it did not yet have maximum readiness. Therefore, this forum becomes important as a medium to gather input from various stakeholders as a consideration in formulating government policies at the national level in responding to e-commerce issues. Denny reminded us that e-commerce at the RTA (Regional Trade Agreement) level was also being discussed. Opportunities from e-commerce alone can increase the potential of SMEs, but implementation is not that easy, because there is a national upgrading gap that we must fill. Here the Ministry of Trade’s duty is to increase exports and on the other hand also imports in order to increase our efficiency and competitiveness.
