Unseen Heroes Special Asean Summit at Labuan Bajo 2023

Summary

The transcript showcases the journey of local small and medium enterprises (UMKM) in Labuhan Bajo, Indonesia, particularly highlighting Komodo Gift and Indolativa. Both businesses have gained global recognition, with Komodo Gift turning traditional handwoven textiles into sustainable, innovative products and Indolativa expanding from a small pastry business to a recognized food brand. With support from Telkom, including digital marketing and innovation, these businesses have thrived and garnered international attention, particularly at the ASEAN Summit. Their success story demonstrates the power of mentorship, digital platforms, and sustainable practices in empowering local entrepreneurs to compete on the world stage.

Takeaways

• 😀 The KTT ASEAN ke-42 summit has a significant impact on the UMKM (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in Labuhan Bajo, providing global exposure and opportunities for local businesses.
• 😀 Komodo Gift is a prominent UMKM that represents Indonesia at the ASEAN Summit, showcasing the unique traditional weaving from NTT (East Nusa Tenggara).
• 😀 The traditional weaving industry in NTT is diverse, with each district and even village offering unique weaving motifs, which are highly valued by international visitors.
• 😀 Komodo Gift maximizes every scrap of fabric from their weaving, turning leftovers into new products like bags, wallets, shoes, and accessories, ensuring no material goes to waste.
• 😀 The business benefits from Telkom's support, which includes product curation, digital marketing strategies, and assistance with product innovation.
• 😀 Telkom’s Rumah BUMN program plays a key role in empowering local businesses by offering mentorship, marketing strategies, and regulatory support.
• 😀 Indolativa, a successful culinary business, began in 2012 by selling treats for special occasions and eventually became known for its snack offerings, including fish floss and nuts.
• 😀 Indolativa's packaging and marketing improved dramatically through Telkom's support, helping them grow from humble beginnings to a recognized brand at the ASEAN Summit.
• 😀 The products of Indolativa were showcased at the ASEAN Summit and received international recognition, including interest from delegates from Laos.
• 😀 Labuhan Bajo, with its rich cultural heritage in weaving and cuisine, is becoming a hub for both traditional craftsmanship and culinary excellence, attracting global attention.

Q & A

What is the significance of the KTT ASEAN ke-42 for Labuhan Bajo and its SMEs?

The KTT ASEAN ke-42 holds significant value for Labuhan Bajo, especially for its local SMEs. It provides them with opportunities to showcase their products, gain exposure, and compete on a global scale.

How does Komodo Gift contribute to the local economy of Labuhan Bajo?

Komodo Gift plays a key role in the local economy by promoting traditional NTT (East Nusa Tenggara) weaving products. It transforms leftover fabric into various products like bags, wallets, shoes, and accessories, ensuring that no materials are wasted.

What is unique about the weaving products from NTT in Labuhan Bajo?

The weaving products from NTT are unique because each of the 22 districts, and almost every sub-district, has its own distinct and beautiful weaving motifs. These weavings are highly valued for their craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal.

How does Komodo Gift manage its product waste?

Komodo Gift minimizes waste by creatively repurposing leftover weaving materials. They create a wide range of products, such as bags, wallets, shoes, and accessories, from fabric scraps, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

What role did Telkom play in supporting Komodo Gift?

Telkom played a crucial role in supporting Komodo Gift by providing mentoring, access to funding, marketing strategies, and digitalization. They helped the business expand and improve product innovation, as well as facilitated online sales.

How did Komodo Gift products get featured in the KTT ASEAN?

Komodo Gift products were selected through a curation process. Three groups of woven products from Labuhan Bajo underwent this curation and all passed the selection, enabling them to be showcased at the KTT ASEAN.

What type of culinary products does Indolativa offer?

Indolativa offers a variety of culinary products, including fish floss, heart-of-palm floss, tikelor, crispy peanuts, and date cakes. They provide these products as potential souvenirs for visitors.

What was the initial idea behind the creation of Indolativa?

Indolativa began in 2012 by selling cakes for special occasions. The business then expanded to offer snacks and souvenirs after receiving positive feedback from customers who enjoyed the products.

How has Telkom supported Indolativa's growth?

Telkom supported Indolativa by assisting with online sales, packaging improvements, and overall business development. They helped Indolativa transition from using simple packaging to more professional designs and marketing strategies.

What impact did the KTT ASEAN have on Indolativa?

The KTT ASEAN had a profound impact on Indolativa, significantly raising its profile. Products like their crispy peanuts gained recognition from international visitors, with some even praising the potential and uniqueness of these local offerings.