Promoting Sustainable Product Exports in Germany: KJRI Hamburg and Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Collaborate

The Business Gathering event at KJRI Hamburg on Wednesday (24/5/2023) showcased sustainable products to German entrepreneurs. (KJRI Hamburg)

Introduction:

KJRI Hamburg, in collaboration with Indonesian companies in Germany led by young Indonesian entrepreneurs, organized a "Business Gathering" event at KJRI Hamburg on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. The event showcased sustainable products to German entrepreneurs. The collaboration involved Javabel GmbH, an Indonesian furniture company based in Hamburg, as well as other Indonesian companies: PT Komoditindo Ekspor Internasional/KEI (coconut shell charcoal/briquettes) and Meramanis GmbH (coffee roastery and cafe owner), along with German companies that have partnerships with Indonesian craftsmen: Julie & Grace GmbH (silver and gold jewelry company).

Supporting Indonesian Entrepreneurs:

The event was attended by 23 entrepreneurs and business partners of KJRI Hamburg, including potential furniture buyers, Indonesian product enthusiasts, and those interested in learning more about Indonesian products. In his speech, the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hamburg, Ardian Wicaksono, expressed his support for young Indonesian entrepreneurs to proactively market Indonesian products in Germany.

Importance of Sustainable Products:

The theme of sustainable products is crucial considering the increasing market demand for certified and environmentally friendly products. This applies to Indonesian furniture products that already have the Timber Legality Verification System (SVLK) certification recognized by the European Union. The Consul General emphasized that Indonesia is ready to do business with Germany, including medium and small-scale enterprises. Meanwhile, Rebecca Ratridiani, CEO of Javabel GmbH and collaborator of the Business Gathering event, expressed appreciation for the event and hoped for the support of KJRI Hamburg to convince buyers and potential buyers, especially in Hamburg. Eka Sumarwanto, Head of ITPC Hamburg, also supported this activity as part of efforts to expand the market for quality Indonesian products by young Indonesian entrepreneurs. In addition to showcasing their products at KJRI Hamburg, the four companies were given the opportunity to introduce and promote their unique strengths and advantages.

Javabel's Sustainable Approach:

Javabel highlighted its products that already have various certifications such as SVLK and FSC. They also emphasized their ability to meet the demand for unique designs customized to the German and European markets. Moreover, Javabel utilizes wood waste and water hyacinth for sustainable furniture and home decor production.

Julie & Grace:

Julie & Grace is a German company resulting from collaboration between German and young Indonesian entrepreneurs in the jewelry industry. The company has established partnerships with silver and gold craftsmen in Bali. Sahat Tambunan, Director of Information Technology at Julie & Grace, stated that their product sales are predominantly through online marketplaces, reaching 29 countries besides Germany. Julie & Grace has decided to expand its production in Bali and increase its investments in creative product ventures.

Sustainable Empowerment Programs by Julie & Grace:

One of Julie & Grace's sustainable participation is empowering artisan communities in Bali by utilizing information technology to facilitate product selection and online sales. They also adhere to waste processing principles to create new environmentally friendly products. PT KEI, headquartered in Demak, Central Java, has a representative office in Osnabrück to assist in marketing environmentally friendly coconut shell charcoal. Hilyana Aulia, CEO of this pioneering company, aims to meet the demand in Germany, especially during communal cooking events. Additionally, Germany has approximately 6,000 shisha bars. KEI's charcoal products already meet quality standards, including being 100% natural and chemical-free.

Meramanis and Indonesian Coffee:

Meramanis promotes not only specialty Indonesian coffee obtained from plantations that promote sustainability but also educates about the diversity of Indonesian coffee through their café in Koeln. Meramanis also participates in various barista competitions in Germany, as mentioned by Kissia Groot Bramel, CEO, and Andru Thifaldy, Co-Founder. In addition to marketing their specialty coffee products, Meramanis also exports green coffee beans to meet the needs of other roasteries, allowing German consumers to become more familiar with the aroma and flavor of Indonesian coffee beans.

Positive Feedback from German Buyers:

The invited buyers and potential buyers expressed their satisfaction with the presentation of Indonesian products. One German potential buyer has already confirmed their intention to purchase Indonesian furniture products due to their attractive quality and design. The representative from IHK Hamburg (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hamburg) and the Ministry of Economy of the City of Hamburg welcomed the event and considered it an ongoing promotion of Indonesian products in Hamburg. The four highlighted products garnered significant demand in Germany. Moreover, these products stand out with attractive packaging that reflects Indonesian art, culture, and traditions, along with sustainability and environmental principles.

Conclusion:

KJRI Hamburg continuously supports the increase in Indonesian product exports to Germany by empowering young Indonesian entrepreneurs who are part of the Indonesian diaspora in Germany, particularly products that are in demand among German and European consumers who prioritize environmental friendliness and sustainability.