Bankitwangi, a premium organic tea brand from Ciwidey, Bandung, West Java, is leveraging the UMKM EXPO(RT) BRILIANPRENEUR 2023, a program initiated by PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BRI, to enhance its global presence. Eko Juliano, Head of International Business Development at PT Hasta Kencana Jaya (Group), overseeing PT Bukit Sari as the producer of Bankitwangi, expressed the challenges of introducing premium organic tea in Indonesia, primarily targeting the upper-middle-class consumers who appreciate tea as a nuanced experience rather than a mere beverage. Participating in the UMKM EXPO(RT) BRILIANPRENEUR for several years, Bankitwangi views the annual event as a valuable platform connecting potential buyers and suppliers, facilitating the promotion of high-quality Indonesian products to a broader market, including international export opportunities. Bukit Sari, the company behind Bankitwangi, initiated its tea business by acquiring a Dutch-owned tea plantation in Ciwidey in 2004, subsequently transforming it into an organic plantation. The term "organic" for Bankitwangi signifies the absence of pesticides throughout the cultivation and harvesting processes, ensuring a chemical-free packaging process. The company's commitment to quality is underscored by certifications from international organizations, including USDA, JAS, EU organic, and halal certification.
Bankitwangi aspires to showcase Indonesia's quality tea products globally, having already taken steps to expand its market by shipping products to several European and Asian countries. Positioned in the premium segment, Bankitwangi's pricing ranges from IDR 29,500 to IDR 186,000, targeting the medium to upper-medium consumer range. The tea variants include black tea, jasmine tea, and butterfly pea tea, reflecting the brand's pioneering role in promoting an organic tea lifestyle in Indonesia. The UMKM EXPO(RT) BRILIANPRENEUR 2023, held annually by BRI, serves as a crucial business matching platform for Indonesian SMEs with a broader consumer base, including international markets. As part of BRI's 128th anniversary celebrations, BRILIANPRENEUR 2023, themed "Crafting Global Connection," aimed to foster the growth of SMEs, enabling them to penetrate global markets. The event, closed by BRI's CEO Sunarso on December 10, 2023, recorded dealing commitments through business matching amounting to USD 81.3 million or IDR 1.26 trillion, reinforcing BRI's commitment to financial empowerment and the advancement of Indonesia's economic inclusivity and literacy.
