CUAN (Cerita Usaha Anak Negeri) - MQ Art Bamboo, Berawal dari Hobi hingga Mendatangkan Pundi-Pundi

Summary

This transcript discusses the potential of bamboo as a sustainable material, emphasizing its fast growth and versatility compared to traditional wood. The speaker shares their journey with Mqat Bambu, a bamboo craft and fabrication brand founded in 2014. They highlight the challenges of establishing the business, including market perception and competition, while underscoring bamboo's value in reducing reliance on plastic. The speaker also mentions the importance of consistency in business and their commitment to teaching others about bamboo craftsmanship. They express hope for greater support and resources for small businesses and sustainable practices in the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bamboo is a highly sustainable material that grows quickly, with a harvest period of just 3 years compared to 20-50 years for wood.
• 😀 The founder of Mqat Bamboo, originally from a hobby of making bamboo Pinisi boats, turned the passion into a business in 2014.
• 😀 Mqat Bamboo began as a small-scale handmade business and evolved into fabricating bamboo products at a larger scale, including functional items like glasses and trays.
• 😀 Bamboo products can be produced faster than handmade ones, with factory production yielding 50 items a day for two workers.
• 😀 The artistic side of bamboo creation is more challenging due to the reliance on creative feeling and skill, which is not as easy to mass-produce.
• 😀 Despite its potential, bamboo faces challenges in gaining recognition in the market, with some still perceiving it as inferior.
• 😀 Bamboo's potential for export is significant, as Indonesia has one of the highest varieties of bamboo species in the world.
• 😀 Mqat Bamboo operates as an SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) and is involved in passive export, collaborating with partners like Sixen to send products overseas.
• 😀 The company has contributed to the growth of local bamboo businesses and is actively teaching others in West Java, providing livelihood opportunities through bamboo production.
• 😀 One of the goals is to reduce reliance on plastics by promoting bamboo alternatives, such as bamboo cutlery, straws, and cups, which are eco-friendly and biodegradable.
• 😀 The founder emphasizes the importance of consistency in business, stating that persistence leads to finding a market, even though some may give up on their passion too quickly.

Q & A

What is the potential of bamboo according to the speaker?

The speaker believes bamboo has great potential and will not become obsolete. Unlike wood, which takes decades to mature, bamboo can be harvested in just three years, making it a sustainable resource.

How did the speaker's brand 'mqat bamboo' come about?

'mqat bamboo' was originally inspired by the speaker’s hobby of creating bamboo crafts and models, particularly boats. Over time, demand for the products grew, leading to the establishment of the brand in 2014.

What types of bamboo products does the brand focus on?

The brand produces a variety of bamboo products, including handmade crafts and industrial fabrications. They focus on creating both art-driven and mass-producible items like bamboo cups and trays.

What challenges did the speaker face in their journey with bamboo?

The speaker faced numerous challenges, including product development, market acceptance, and competition. They also had to learn the intricacies of bamboo finishing and overcoming misconceptions about bamboo's quality.

Why is bamboo considered an important resource in Indonesia?

Bamboo is seen as an important resource because it grows quickly and is a potential substitute for wood. Indonesia is rich in bamboo, with over 130 species, more than any other country, making it a key asset for sustainable products.

What are the key differences between handmade and mass-produced bamboo products?

Handmade products take longer to create and are more focused on craftsmanship, whereas mass-produced items can be made more quickly, with standardized processes enabling higher output per day.

How does the speaker view the current market for bamboo products?

The speaker believes that bamboo products have not yet gained full recognition in the market, with many people still not seeing their potential. However, they remain hopeful that bamboo's benefits will eventually be acknowledged.

What role does the speaker believe the government should play in supporting bamboo industries?

The speaker emphasizes that the government should show more support for bamboo, particularly by encouraging its cultivation and helping local businesses by providing access to machinery and resources, not just subsidies.

What is the speaker's involvement with Kadin, and how has it benefited them?

The speaker has been involved with Kadin (the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry) for about three years. Kadin has helped expand their market reach, providing new client opportunities and facilitating business networking.

What advice does the speaker give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

The speaker advises entrepreneurs to be consistent and committed to their passion. They believe that with perseverance and dedication, success will eventually come, despite the inevitable challenges.