The 'Yapamo' project from Jayapura, Indonesia, has successfully transformed sago into modern food products that compete internationally. This success is attributed to the support provided by Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) for small enterprises, aiming to enhance their competitiveness in global markets.
Founded by Reni Iko Setiani in 2016, 'Yapamo' emerged in response to the market's need for high-quality traditional gift options from Papua. By leveraging the abundant potential of sago, a natural resource in the region, Reni has been able to convert it into products like cookies and snacks that cater to modern consumer tastes.
Event Details
'Yapamo' aims to present sago in a contemporary manner, with Reni emphasizing that innovation extends beyond preparation methods to include how the product is marketed. This strategy has contributed to increased production, allowing 'Yapamo' to process hundreds of kilograms of sago flour monthly, while expanding distribution channels to include modern retail stores and online markets.
Since 2019, 'Yapamo' has benefited from training programs offered by BRI, such as 'BUMN House' and 'BRI UMKM EXPO(RT)', which have helped it tackle challenges related to business management and marketing. These programs have enhanced product quality and brand building, enabling 'Yapamo' to obtain necessary certifications such as a business identification number and halal certification.
Background & Context
Indonesia is rich in natural resources, yet many small and medium enterprises face challenges in accessing global markets. This underscores the importance of support from financial institutions like Bank Rakyat Indonesia, which seeks to enhance these enterprises' competitiveness by providing training and necessary resources.
Historically, traditional products like sago were considered limited to local use, but with modern innovations, they can now be transformed into value-added products. This shift reflects changes in consumer behavior, as people increasingly seek healthy and trendy options.
Impact & Consequences
'Yapamo's' success in attracting international buyers, particularly from Japan and Korea, showcases the ability of Indonesian products to compete in global markets. Visitors have shown significant interest in sago products as a gluten-free alternative, opening new avenues for export.
Alexander Debo Paris, the commercial bank manager at BRI, affirmed that 'Yapamo's' success is evidence of local products meeting international standards. This achievement reflects the bank's commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises in Indonesia, contributing to the enhancement of the national economy.
Regional Significance
The 'Yapamo' experience serves as a model in the Arab region, where small and medium enterprises can benefit from innovation and effective marketing to reach international markets. Strengthening collaboration between financial institutions and small enterprises can contribute to sustainable development in Arab countries.
In conclusion, 'Yapamo's' success marks a significant step towards enhancing the competitiveness of Indonesian products on an international level and illustrates the importance of institutional support in achieving economic goals.