Kemenkop UKM Appreciates Du Anyam's Role In Introducing New NTT Products To The Eyes Of The World

(Photo: Doc. Kemenkop UKM)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs (Kemenkop UKM) appreciates the 10-year journey of Du Anyam which has succeeded in introducing the work of female entrepreneurs, especially mothers in Larantuka, East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to the global arena.

Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs (Menkop UKM) Teten Masduki said this was in line with the vision of the Kemenkop UKM in supporting and developing young entrepreneurs, including women.

"The role of Du Anyam deserves our appreciation. Du Anyam has succeeded in becoming an aggregator in connecting and supporting the production of woven women NTT craftsmen in the village to a wider market and having an economic impact on women in remote villages and helping to preserve cultural heritage," said Teten in a written statement, Friday, September 13.

Teten added that the strategic partnership between Du Anyam and Kemenkop UKM has become a real example, how the government can cooperate with social entrepreneurs which will be the key in encouraging community-based economic growth.

The Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs has also implemented a program to increase entrepreneurial capacity by facilitating entrepreneurial incubation through incubator institutions, both state or private universities as well as provincial-level governments as well as in cities and regencies.

"I ask local governments to see and develop the potential or advantages of their respective regions. As an example of what Du Anyam has done innovating to create a new economy of high value so that its products are successfully accepted in the global arena through woven leaves made of lightning," he said.

On that occasion, Teten also appreciated Bank DBS Indonesia and the DBS Foundation for always supporting and fostering social entrepreneurship through mentoring and funding programs to grow and develop to the international level.

This proves that collaboration between the private sector and the government can advance the entrepreneurship industry while overcoming social issues.

Meanwhile, Acting Deputy for SMEs at the Coordinating Ministry for SMEs, Temmy Setya Permana, said that Du Anyam's business model was something that needed to be appreciated and was also imitated by various parties.

This is because the use of superior local natural resources can be a driving force for economic growth and also the income of the local community.

"We encourage products that we may not have imagined so far. So, products like this that we hope for exports. So, we are very supportive. Support from various parties also looks very good to encourage products from NTT that do have abundant raw materials. So, we encourage the use of superior local resources to be of added value which ultimately increases regional income. So, we hope that this kind of business model can be replicated by all parties," he said.

On the same occasion, Founder Du Anyam Hanna Keraf said, Du Anyam always believed that the potential for woven lightning from NTT could be a great force that not only strengthens the local economy, but also has a significant social impact.

For the people of NTT, especially on the islands of Rote and Sabu, the Lontar tree has an important role in people's lives in it.

The great benefits of ejection in various sectors of life even made local people call it a tree of life.

"By utilizing the skills of generations of mengaming Lontar leaves, we not only create valuable products, but also provide the ability and opportunity for women to be able to make their own decisions to become leaders and even plan the future of themselves and our children," he said.

As for September 2023, Du Anyam has sent 13 containers of products to meet domestic and international market demand.

Sentir woven products from NTT have now arrived in 52 countries with a sales target of more than 450,000 products by 2028.

While reflecting on this decade of travel, Du Anyam remains committed to core values such as empowerment of women, sustainability, and cultural preservation. This 10-year journey is also proof that Du Anyam as a social entrepreneur can survive until now and be steadfast in his initial commitment.

"We are committed to continuing to invest in developing the skills of the singer, expanding the market and innovating in our products. In the future, we will continue to strive to contribute to a sustainable green economy," he said.