Dozens of products from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in North Kalimantan (Kaltara) have been curated to explore export markets, according to Head of the Department of Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, and SMEs (Disperindagkop and UKM) Kaltara, Hj. Hasriyani. “Around 30 out of over 100 products have been curated. We are gradually finding markets for them,” Hasriyani stated on Sunday, 21 July 2024. This initiative is the result of a curation program by Disperindagkop and UKM Kaltara in collaboration with the Exsport Center Surabaya under the Ministry of Trade. “We curate products suitable for international markets and work with the Exsport Center Surabaya,” Hasriyani explained. Over the past two years (2022-2023), Disperindagkop and UKM Kaltara opened registration for SMEs to receive guidance. The curation process was conducted in Bulungan, inviting SME representatives from KTT, Malinau, Bulungan, and Nunukan, with a special session in Tarakan.

Some curated products have already made it to international markets through the Ministry of Trade’s program to Canada. Notable products include coffee and handicrafts from Bulungan, such as Yogus. Last month, Disperindagkop and UKM Kaltara communicated with Indonesian representatives in the Netherlands and China to find more markets for Kaltara’s SME products. “We have reached out to our representatives in the Netherlands and China to continuously seek suitable markets,” Hasriyani said. In addition to the Disperindagkop and UKM Kaltara program, Bank Indonesia’s North Kalimantan Representative Office (KPwBI) also conducts curation programs. However, not all registered SME products pass the curation. Hasriyani acknowledged some products did not meet the requirements but emphasized ongoing support and motivation to help them qualify. Some Kaltara SME products have already been exported to Tawau, Malaysia, facilitated by the Indonesian Consulate General there. “Products like Sambel Dayak have entered the market in Tawau through the support of the Consulate General, working with local supermarkets and restaurants,” Hasriyani concluded. This initiative highlights Kaltara’s efforts to boost its SME sector by penetrating international markets, promising significant economic benefits.

Source: https://www.rri.co.id/daerah/842501/puluhan-produk-ukm-kaltara-terkurasi-jelajahi-pasar-ekspor