Indonesian teak wood is known for its high quality. Therefore, teak wood, whether in whole or in pieces, can be processed into objects of high economic value. This has been proven by Krisna Purnomo, entrepreneur of handicraft products from pieces of old teak wood. He has been running this business for 10 years by forming a business entity CV DeBough Indonesia, and has exported his products to a number of European countries. Krisna describes pieces from old teak wood that have beautiful patterns that are naturally formed. With the addition of an artistic touch, Krisna is able to produce wooden wall products, furniture, and other products that have a charming appearance and are in demand by consumers in Europe. "Old wood has a very extraordinary element. One rarity, the two woods are finished wood from ancient products that are of good quality, the three woods have been processed by nature and the strength can be compared with new wood still wins. the process of making by time, if I tell my buyer it is 'crafting by god', he was carved by nature into something beautiful. The three elements themselves can be processed into unique products," said Krisna in the BNI UMKM Webinar, Monday ( 27/12/2021).
With the uniqueness and advantages of Indonesian teak, Krisna said the resulting product could open up new market potential in foreign countries. One of the most important things, he said, was how the superior quality wood was processed to make it more attractive and attractive. Krisna said his foresight to see business opportunities from teak wood pieces 10 years ago made him a pioneer and attract buyers from Europe. This business is also growing to this day. "In my concept, I don't sell furniture. I sell feeling, I sell beauty, I sell art packaged in furniture or wall panels or various wood products. 10 years ago, maybe the first time in Indonesia to make wall panels from teak wood, " said Krishna. Krisna's products are made by hand. However, he ensures that the production process runs according to industry rules, so that quality control is strictly maintained. In addition, he also implements a systematic work process in order to meet the target orders from overseas buyers. “I position myself as an artpreneur. So there are furniture rules that I have to follow, such as construction, strength, but I created the standard elements of beauty. If it is accepted by the buyer, yes, we will make our own standards. But once we create the standard, we must comply, the production line must be organized," said Krisna. "This fabrication process is according to the rules of industrial technology but the workmanship is purely handmade. That's when I was able to combine product art, but we can still produce semi-mass production," added Krisna.
He also told me that at the beginning of starting the business, he had experienced funding constraints. Luckily, he won the trust of a buyer who was willing to pay in advance so that Krisna could work on his order. Furthermore, in order to be more productive, Krisna seeks financing from banks. He also met with BNI who finally gave him a capital fund. Until now, said Krisna, he has received funding support from BNI to continue to develop the business. "In the middle of the road I know BNI until now. The development period is 10 years, almost every year there is an expansion from the company always assisted by funding from BNI," said Krisna. Krisna said that he had received orders several times, but was constrained by capital capacity. To get around this, Krisna accesses a funding facility from BNI so that he can still take orders. "We want to reject it, dear, if we refuse the buyer goes to another factory, he looks for it again. So we have to do it, that's the challenge. Incidentally there is BNI that helps, so sometimes from PO (pre order) or from LC (letter of credit) we were given a disbursement of assistance for the fund," explained Krisna.
