Hendri Sugiaji, owner of CV Nikmat Sentausa, has turned banana stem waste into profit, showcasing entrepreneurial creativity within Indonesia's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector. His woven products, crafted from local banana stems, have gained recognition internationally, with exports reaching Italy. Hendri has established business partnerships with various Italian buyers, who order woven packaging for wine bottles made from banana stem weaves. These weaves not only provide an aesthetic appeal but also serve as protective cushioning during shipping while imparting a unique fragrance. Hendri attributes part of his success to the support of PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BNI), particularly through the BNI Xpora program. He praises BNI for facilitating his export business by providing financial assistance and easing financial transactions domestically and internationally.
In response, Marinus Gea, Member of Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), commends BNI's efforts in supporting MSMEs to go global. He acknowledges the unique and high-value products produced by Indonesian MSMEs, such as those from Tangerang, which are deemed suitable for international markets. Marinus expresses gratitude to BNI for its support of MSMEs, enabling them to export through the BNI Xpora program. Marinus emphasizes the importance of BNI's initiatives in empowering more MSMEs to go global, highlighting the potential to contribute significantly to local economic development by creating more job opportunities. In summary, Hendri's successful utilization of banana stem waste, supported by BNI's initiatives, underscores the potential for MSMEs to thrive in international markets, thus fostering economic growth and job creation at the local level.
