Present at Kriyanusa 2023, Craftote: Gallery & Coffee Becomes BRI's Environmentally Friendly and Export-Quality SME

Kapanlagi.com - A BRI-supported SME entrepreneur, Tio Siujinata, admitted to daring to open a business after being challenged by BRI. Interestingly, the products he made can penetrate the international market. In addition, Tio also showcased his craftwork at the Kriyanusa 2023 Exhibition on September 13-17, 2023, at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC).

Under the business name Craftote: Gallery & Coffee, Tio, along with three handicraft SMEs, showcased their interesting works at the BRI booth at the National Crafts Council (Dekranas) event. Tio showcases household equipment products with an environmentally friendly concept made from woven bamboo and wood.

1. Mention Handicrafts Produced as Integrated Business

Not only that, the man who has been pioneering his business since 2021 mentioned that his handicrafts are an integrated business, as he also showcases his products at the coffee shop that he started in the same year. After a few months of running the business, his coffee shop was visited by representatives from BRI.

"They challenged me to allow my café to be developed through the BRI State-Owned Enterprises House. At first, I was hesitant, but they said that as long as I am consistent with my products, we will be ready," he said.

In short, Tio felt grateful for the opportunity, as at the State-Owned Enterprises House, he received training and business knowledge that he did not expect before. Tio said that at the beginning of starting his business, he only knew that business was about production, selling, and making a profit. However, after receiving guidance, he understood the fundamental aspects of sustaining and developing a business in the long term.

"There, they taught us about branding, marketing, finance, and even loans. I became more open-minded, as initially, I thought that business was just a general matter, but it turns out there is business matching, there are incubators, we are connected with fellow business owners, how to treat employees, how to use digital media for promotion," he continued.

2. Create Products that Attract Many People

Credit: BRI

With increasing knowledge and skills, Tio created a product that caught the attention of a distributor targeting international buyers. Tio designed a floor lamp that stands as tall as an adult's waist, with a diameter of 4-5 cm. The interesting thing about the lamp is the wooden wrap around it.

"That's why I dared to (go to the) export market, even though I'm not the one exporting, but the buyer takes it out of the country to sell. For example, this lamp, the design is not mine, but in a coffee shop, someone came and doodled a design, asked if I could make it, and I said yes! In the end, when it was finished, they bought 10 pieces and took them to Japan, and now they keep buying more," he continued.

3. Other MSMEs Also Feel the Benefits at BRI's Home

Partnering with Tio in the exhibition, there is Lion Ceramic Industry with household products made of ceramic and Lampu Runa with environmentally friendly and creatively designed lamps. Another interesting one is Maja Watch with unique and environmentally friendly watches.

The owner of Maja Watch, Justisia (37 years old), also shared the significant benefits gained after participating in training and mentoring at the BRI State-Owned Enterprises House. With watches made of wood, the woman known as Uci said she has experienced significant development and profits.

"The benefits are already evident. At first, we were still feeling our way, still offline, but now we are online through e-commerce, so both channels are running, and the income is even better, the business is even better," said Uci.

Both Uci and Tio are grateful that their businesses are trusted to appear in the exhibition showcasing handicraft products from all corners of the country. Not surprisingly, their products have attracted the attention of several government officials, including the wife of the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Erick Thohir, namely Liza Thohir. They also hope to continue to collaborate with BRI to elevate micro, small, and medium enterprises.

"Our hope is to provide quality, responsible, and reliable products. We also hope that BRI can continue to support not only us but also other artisan friends. Because in this Kriyanusa, we have a clearer mindset, more competitive, and sportsmanlike, knowing that Indonesia's handicrafts are numerous and of high quality. From Indonesia to the world," Tio concluded.

Visiting the Kriyanusa event, BRI Consumer Business Director Handayani said that the opportunity to participate in this annual Dekranas activity is very valuable, especially for fostered MSMEs. This is in line with BRI's commitment to upgrading MSMEs to the global market.

"BRI is present to provide services in supporting the government's program in terms of capital for MSMEs. The role of MSMEs in meeting the needs of the community is very important, so it is hoped that with the participation of BRI's fostered MSMEs in Kriyanusa 2023, it will further legitimize the public's trust in MSMEs," he said.

(kpl/glo)