31/12/2023. PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BNI) continues to strive to inspire Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to upgrade and implement sustainable business.
One of the MSMEs that receives support from BNI is Kalaniwood which focuses on craft products.
Meanwhile, Kalaniwood has succeeded in turning skateboard and wood waste into various kinds of craft products, such as glasses, watches and earrings.
Owner of Kalaniwood, Suhardi Widayanto, said that this business opportunity arose from his passion for skateboarding. He said, in 2016 after resigning from his previous workplace, he wanted to start a business.
Then, a business idea arose to use unused skateboards to make craft products. He also studied autodidactically to be able to create these products.
"I used to skateboard, and there are some things I collected that I can no longer use. Yes, from there I began to construct, independently, searching for knowledge through there, and I continued to post if anyone was interested. Until now, it is finally working," Suhardi stated.
At first, he created glasses and watches, then Suhardi also used wood waste to make earrings, rings, and even shirt buttons.
As for, the most sought-after product in Kalaniwood is glasses with various shapes so customers have to wait for pre-order.
"The types (that have to queue) are usually like glasses and watches. Well, there's also small wood waste, which we usually use to make earrings, rings, small accessories. Sometimes we make products for other people, like shirt buttons for other products," he explained.
Kalaniwood markets their products through digital platforms, exhibitions, and offline shop. The shop is combined with a workshop located in Dusun Menulis region of Sumbersari, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta.
"Our marketing is online and offline. For online we use social media, e-commerce. For offline, we attend exhibitions, and leave goods on consignment at Sarinah Jakarta," he concluded.
Suhardi also appreciated BNI's support for Kalaniwood, which was proactive in holding and inviting him to various showcasing events.
"Exhibitions really help MSMEs market their products and meet potential new buyers," he added.