RRI Singaraja Explores AI Uses for Buleleng UMKM

Singaraja — A recent radio dialogue in Singaraja explored how artificial intelligence could help micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (UMKM) in Buleleng compete in increasingly digital markets, without presenting it as a guaranteed route to higher sales or export growth.

RRI Singaraja hosted the discussion in its UMKM Bicara Pro 1 programme, using the theme of helping businesses move "from warung to the digital world" to frame AI as one of several tools for digital transformation. According to the broadcaster’s report, the session focused on how technology can open new business opportunities for local enterprises in a more complex online marketplace.

AI as support for everyday business tasks

Komang Gita Krishna Murti, an academic and head of the Business Incubator at STIE Satya Dharma Singaraja, told the programme that AI can assist UMKM with multiple routine and creative activities. In the RRI account, he said AI offers opportunities for small businesses to work more effectively, including in searching for ideas, preparing content and supporting marketing efforts.

Krishna encouraged business owners not to view AI as inaccessible technology, but as a tool that can help them develop and adapt to changing markets. He argued that technological change can become an opportunity for entrepreneurs to strengthen their capabilities and competitiveness if they are willing to learn and experiment.

A separate RRI report on the same programme stressed that business owners should not rely blindly on AI-generated material, particularly for promotional content and product information. According to that coverage, Krishna advised UMKM to check outputs carefully and to use detailed prompts so that results are more relevant to the needs of their enterprises.

From local warung to digital customers

The programme’s theme linked traditional small-scale commerce with global digital markets, positioning AI as one element in a broader shift towards online promotion and customer engagement. Krishna noted that digitalisation allows UMKM to introduce their products through various platforms and can expand opportunities to reach wider audiences.

However, the RRI reporting did not claim that the use of AI has already produced specific commercial outcomes in Buleleng, such as documented increases in revenue, export sales or numbers of new customers. No figures were given for participating businesses, investment levels, training hours or measurable performance indicators.

Key points reported from the dialogue

• Programme: UMKM Bicara Pro 1, broadcast by RRI Singaraja.
• Discussion date: Monday, 7 September 2026, held in the Pro 1 RRI Singaraja studio.
• Topic: how AI can help UMKM Buleleng move "from warung to the digital world" and compete in digital markets.
• Uses mentioned: generating business ideas, creating content and supporting marketing activities.
• Advice: UMKM should verify AI outputs and provide clear, detailed instructions to obtain results that match their business needs.

Opportunity and cautions for Buleleng UMKM

In its coverage, RRI described digital transformation, including the use of AI, as a strategic opportunity for local UMKM to improve competitiveness and reach broader markets. This reflects a wider push by local authorities in Buleleng to promote digital skills and technologies such as AI for product promotion and catalogues.

The broadcaster’s reports also highlighted risks if AI content is used uncritically. Krishna warned that UMKM should not let technology erode the distinctive character of local products, but instead use AI to strengthen the stories behind them, provided the information supplied is accurate and grounded in real conditions.

Neither report named specific AI platforms or software providers, nor did they present detailed guidance on issues such as data protection, copyright or subscription costs. For business owners considering adoption, the clearest practical applications identified in the dialogue are idea generation, content preparation and marketing support, combined with a recommendation to keep human oversight over what AI produces.

Sources

• RRI Singaraja – "AI Buka Peluang Baru Bagi UMKM Buleleng"
• Dinas Perdagangan, Perindustrian dan Koperasi, Usaha Kecil dan Menengah Kabupaten Buleleng – "Pelatihan ... Menggunakan Teknologi Artificial Intelligence (AI)"