The Role of ECAP in Enhancing the Capacity of MSMEs for Export: Case of Jakarta MSMEs Community

Abstract

The Export Capacity Assistance Program (ECAP) for MSMEs is a government initiative to enhance the competitiveness of Indonesian MSMEs in the global market. ECAP is implemented to assist exporters in enhancing MSMEs' capacity to enter international markets. Specifically, this export capacity enhancement program is conducted through training, mentoring, and facilitating market access for MSMEs seeking to export their products. ECAP is carried out in four (4) stages: mapping conditions and needs to determine typology; training to enrich export management capacity and skills; assistance in management practices; and export market access assistance. The methods used in the program are interactive, participative, collaborative, and mentorshipbased, with mentors acting as facilitators, communicators, and dynamic agents. Data was collected from several MSMEs through in-depth interviews. The results of ECAP implementation show that the mentoring program has benefited MSMEs by increasing export knowledge and skills, building business networks, and gaining access to international markets. Challenges include limited human resources as assistants and difficulties finding export partners in the global market. These findings provide recommendations for universities and the government to consistently and sustainably implement mentoring programs to enhance the capacity and capability of MSMEs.