Project News

The SMIDeP Project decided to add new target regions/industries from September 2014 as another model site for local industry development through the SMIDeP approach, and the footwear industry in Mojokerto City, East Java Province was selected. Following the initial guidance of the SMIDeP approach and facilitation training to candidate Local Working Group (LWG) members/facilitator, the first LWG meeting was held in early December 2014 in order to share steps/methods to be applied among the concerned stakeholders and discuss preliminary the direction of an action plan. Subsequently, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was organized in mid-December, where the direction of the action plan was further discussed with representatives of local enterprises and necessary support activities were initially proposed by supporting stakeholders, including Dinas Industry & Trade at both the city and provincial levels, the Directorate General of Small and Medium Industry of the Ministry of Industry, the Center for Footwear Industry Development and large-scale shoemakers' association.

It is admitted that the LWG for the footwear industry seems to have difficulty both in coordinating a variety of opinions from local small and medium industries (SMIs) on the direction of the action plan and in aligning relatively abundant support opportunities available to this industry. The Expert Team will be closely advising/guiding the LWG so that they can share the action plan with local SMIs and start facilitating its implementation. Discussion for action planning is being continued through LWG meetings, involving SMIs.

FGD with local SMIs

A shoemaker in Mojokerto