Buleleng UMKM Hold Matchmaking With Modern Retail Chains

Singaraja, Bali — Around 30 micro, small and medium enterprises from Buleleng met four modern retail operators in a business matchmaking session in Lovina on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, in a local government initiative to expand market access for processed goods and handicrafts.

The meeting was facilitated by the Buleleng Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP Buleleng), which brought together UMKM producers and representatives of larger retail chains for presentations and negotiations, according to a report by local outlet Radar Buleleng and public radio station RRI Singaraja.

According to Radar Buleleng, participating businesses presented their products to management representatives from KSA Toserba, Artasedana Singaraja, Cahaya Baru and PT Indomarco Prismatama’s Bali branch, which operates Indomaret stores. RRI reported that the event took place at a hotel in Banyualit, Lovina, and involved “around 30” UMKM from across Buleleng.

The session formed part of DPMPTSP Buleleng’s efforts to connect smaller producers with established retail distribution networks. Agency head Gede Ngurah Dharma Seputra was quoted by Radar Buleleng as saying the matchmaking was intended as a concrete bridge for Buleleng’s processed products and handicrafts to reach the shelves of networked retailers and help local businesses “move up a class” in terms of commercial development.

According to Radar Buleleng, the event did not stop at introductions and presentations. It also included direct business negotiations between UMKM and the retail operators, culminating in the signing of marketing cooperation memorandums of understanding between the small businesses and the larger retailers. The outlet reported that these memorandums were expected to open new distribution channels for local products.

Retail access and product standards

Local officials framed the matchmaking as a way to give Buleleng brands structured access to modern retail, rather than relying solely on sales through traditional markets or tourism-driven demand. The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to integrate UMKM products into organised retail networks.

In addition to business talks, participants received guidance on meeting eligibility and food safety requirements. Radar Buleleng reported that the session included education on product feasibility and food safety delivered by the Buleleng branch of the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM Kabupaten Buleleng), aimed at ensuring that packaged food products meet manufacturer-level and modern retail standards.

The UMKM involved were described in local coverage as producers of processed food products and handicrafts, though detailed product lists and individual business profiles were not specified in the available reports. The government’s focus, according to DPMPTSP Buleleng’s leadership, is to help these businesses build the capacity and compliance needed to enter wider domestic markets through formal retail channels.

While both Radar Buleleng and RRI Singaraja confirmed that memorandums of understanding on marketing cooperation were signed at the end of the event, neither report detailed how many agreements were concluded, which specific products were accepted by retailers or whether the memorandums immediately translated into confirmed purchase orders or shelf placements.

Key figures and commitments:

• Around 30 UMKM from Buleleng took part in the matchmaking session.
• Four retail operators were involved: KSA Toserba, Artasedana Singaraja, Cahaya Baru and PT Indomarco Prismatama (Indomaret) Bali.
• The meeting was held in Lovina, Buleleng, on 9 September 2026.
• Marketing cooperation memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed between UMKM and the retailers.

Sources

• RRI Singaraja - Matchmaking Buka Peluang UMKM Masuki Ritel Modern
• Radar Buleleng - Puluhan UMKM Buleleng Sepakat Kerjasama Bisnis dengan Ritel Berjejaring