The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) continues to strengthen the competitiveness of small and medium industries (SMIs) in mobile phone repair services through a national competency certification program. This strategic step was taken in response to society's high dependence on digital devices, along with the rapid penetration of the internet in Indonesia, which has now reached more than 229 million users.
Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita emphasized that strengthening human resource (HR) competence is a main pillar in building an adaptive and productive industrial structure. According to him, the growing number of smartphone users directly increases the demand for maintenance and repair services, which presents a golden opportunity for local SMI players.
As a concrete step, the Ministry of Industry through the Directorate General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries (IKMA) held Technical Assistance for the Certification of Mobile Phone Repair SMIs in Brebes Regency, Central Java. A total of 12 local technicians were equipped with intensive training referring to the Indonesian National Work Competency Standards (SKKNI), covering damage diagnosis, component replacement, to the implementation of occupational safety and health (K3).
Director General of IKMA, Reni Yanita, explained that the selection of Brebes was based on the demographic potential of the area, which has a population of over two million people. This large population holds high market potential for technology repair service providers and offers a great opportunity to create new jobs in the informal sector.
Meanwhile, the Acting Director of Metal, Machinery, Electronics, and Transportation Equipment SMIs (LMEA), Budi Setiawan, added that official certification from the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP) is not just proof of technical expertise. The certificate also serves to build customer trust and expand the market share for independent businesses.
In addition to the economic impact, improving the quality of mobile phone repair services also contributes positively to environmental sustainability by reducing the volume of electronic waste (e-waste). However, local technicians still face several challenges, such as the rapid development of gadget technology, difficult access to original spare parts in regions, and fierce competition with manufacturers' official service centers.
