MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Provincial Government of Sumatera Utara has welcomed the initiative of the Regional Leadership Board of the Gerakan Angkatan Muda Kristen Indonesia (GAMKI) in Sumatera Utara to organize the "Pelatihan UMKM 2026" program. The training represents an important step toward strengthening the knowledge, management skills, and competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) amid technological changes and increasingly intense market competition.
The "Pelatihan UMKM 2026" program also provides a platform for cooperation among youth organizations, regional authorities, businesses, and financial institutions. The collaboration is expected to give entrepreneurs better access to knowledge, business licensing, digital marketing, and financing opportunities that can support the long-term development of their businesses.
The Governor of Sumatera Utara opened the event, which was held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Ballroom of Bank Sumut on Jalan Imam Bonjol in Medan. Muhammad Suib, Assistant for General Administration at the Secretariat of the Provincial Government of Sumatera Utara, represented the governor at the opening ceremony.
The strong public interest was reflected in the number of participants, which significantly exceeded the organizers' initial target. The DPD
GAMKI Sumut had initially expected 200 participants. In reality, more than 300 UMKM entrepreneurs from various parts of Sumatera Utara registered and took part in the event.
"The Provincial Government of Sumatera Utara welcomes the initiative of the DPD GAMKI Sumut. This training is not only a learning forum, but also part of a joint commitment to building a strong, progressive, and sustainable Sumatera Utara, where UMKM serve as one of the pillars of the people's economy," M. Suib said while reading the governor's written address.
Strengthening UMKM Entrepreneurial Skills
Suib explained that technological advances require entrepreneurs to continuously improve their skills so they can keep pace with changes in consumer behavior and business competition. For that reason, the government supports various programs that provide practical knowledge and strengthen entrepreneurs' abilities to manage their businesses.
According to him, the "Pelatihan UMKM 2026" program delivers a range of materials tailored to the current needs of entrepreneurs. Participants receive knowledge about digital marketing, professional business management, brand development, business legality, and access to financing opportunities.
The Provincial Government of Sumatera Utara also views the high number of participants as an indication of the strong demand for programs aimed at strengthening UMKM capacity. The participation of more than 300 people, despite an initial target of 200, demonstrates the community's strong interest in developing their businesses.
Suib said the Provincial Government of Sumatera Utara would continue implementing various strategic programs to support entrepreneurs. These include free assistance with halal certification and expanding access to capital through Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR), implemented in cooperation with the regional company PT
Bank Sumut.
"In the spirit of the 'SUMUT BERKAH' collaboration for a strong, progressive, and sustainable Sumatera Utara, the government is ready to ensure that entrepreneurs have comprehensive opportunities to grow. Cooperation among regional governments, financial institutions, businesses, and youth organizations is the key to effective UMKM development," Suib said.
He emphasized that strengthening UMKM cannot be achieved through training alone. What is also needed is a business environment that enables entrepreneurs to develop their products sustainably. Government institutions, financial institutions, businesses, and community organizations can each play different roles according to their respective capacities.
BRIDGE FOR UMKM ENTREPRENEURS: Chairman of the DPD GAMKI Sumut, Swangro Lumbanbatu, reaffirms GAMKI's commitment to helping UMKM entrepreneurs gain access to business development opportunities and KUR financing through PT Bank Sumut. (PHOTO: Imam Syahputra)
GAMKI Opens Training to the Public
Chairman of the DPD GAMKI Sumut, Swangro Lumbanbatu, said the organization designed the "Pelatihan UMKM 2026" program as an inclusive initiative open to the wider public. GAMKI did not limit participation to its members and cadres, but also provided people outside the organization with opportunities to gain knowledge and support for developing their businesses.
"GAMKI must not only operate within its own organization, but must also serve as a protector and a 'salt' for all segments of society. That is why we opened this program to the public. The strong response shows that the majority of participants actually come from the general public rather than from our own cadres," Swangro said.
Swangro further explained that the DPD GAMKI Sumut invited practitioners and entrepreneurs to serve as speakers. They shared knowledge based on their own business experiences with both people who already operate businesses and those who are just starting to establish one.
In addition to business development materials, participants also received technical guidance on licensing and legal requirements. They were informed about procedures for obtaining business legality, free assistance with halal certification, and opportunities to gain better access to
KUR financing through cooperation with PT
Bank Sumut.
This approach is expected to help UMKM entrepreneurs gain a more comprehensive understanding of the various stages of business development. With a clear legal foundation, improved marketing skills, and easier access to financing opportunities, entrepreneurs can expand their businesses and increase the competitiveness of their products.
"We at GAMKI are ready to serve as a bridge for entrepreneurs, particularly in facilitating access to additional capital and
KUR loans through
Bank Sumut in accordance with applicable procedures. We hope the participants will make intensive use of this training so that their businesses can grow quickly and sustainably," Swangro emphasized.
He added that GAMKI Sumut would continue building partnerships with various stakeholders to provide programs that deliver direct benefits to the community. In his view, youth organizations can play a greater role in promoting the economic independence of the community.
PROMOTING LOCAL PRODUCTS: Chairman of the Advisory Board of the DPD
GAMKI Sumut, RE Nainggolan, urges UMKM entrepreneurs to promote local products such as Ulos fabrics and regional handicrafts more actively so they can gain greater recognition in national and international markets. (PHOTO: Imam Syahputra)
Local Products Target New Markets
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the DPD
GAMKI Sumut, RE Nainggolan, urged UMKM entrepreneurs to promote local products from Sumatera Utara more actively. The region has a wide range of products with economic and cultural value that could be developed into competitive flagship products.
RE Nainggolan specifically highlighted Ulos fabrics and various regional handicrafts, which have considerable market potential. UMKM entrepreneurs need to develop and market these products creatively so they can reach consumers in national and international markets.
"UMKM are the heroes of our economy. Through cooperation between GAMKI, the regional government, and financial institutions such as
Bank Sumut, we hope that leading local products will become increasingly successful and serve as a source of pride for Sumatera Utara at the national and international levels," RE Nainggolan said.
He explained that cooperation among youth organizations, regional governments, and financial institutions could strengthen the foundation for UMKM development. The support involves not only the provision of capital, but also efforts to improve entrepreneurs' skills in business management, branding, and product marketing.
The "Pelatihan UMKM 2026" program, which was attended by more than 300 entrepreneurs, is part of an effort to connect the needs of UMKM with various available support programs. The Provincial Government of Sumatera Utara can contribute through its UMKM development programs, the DPD
GAMKI Sumut through mentoring and consultation, and PT
Bank Sumut through financing opportunities, creating a complementary support ecosystem.
By strengthening competencies and improving access to support, UMKM entrepreneurs are expected not only to sustain their businesses, but also to improve product quality, enter new markets, and achieve sustainable business growth. This will also strengthen the role of UMKM as one of the important pillars of community economic development in Sumatera Utara. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala