Jakarta, Nov. 9 -- Small and medium-sized industries (SMIs) remain the backbone of Indonesia's industrial expansion, driving job creation and regional economic growth as the manufacturing sector outpaces national economic expansion for the first time since 2011.

Speaking at a national SMI product exhibition in Jakarta on Monday, Deputy Minister of Industry Faisol Riza underscored the vital role played by the sector's 4.2 million business units.

"Small and medium-sized industries play a crucial role in these positive industrial developments-particularly in creating jobs, fostering regional economic potential, and strengthening the national industrial supply chain," Faisol stated.

He highlighted that the growth of the manufacturing indus...