25/05/2024. The Netherlands is one of the countries with the largest Indonesian diaspora in the world. Of course, Indonesian-related businesses are a lucrative potential for Indonesian diaspora entrepreneurs in the Netherlands.
After previously working at another company, Takim Santosa started a business as an importer of Indonesian products to the Netherlands called Nesia Food VOF.
"I focus more on importing dry food ingredients from MSME and corporate suppliers in Indonesia. With many Indonesian migrants living in the Netherlands, these products are sought by them both for direct consumption or reprocessing," said Takim.
Takim also said that one of his biggest suppliers is a palm sugar producer, namely CV Hugo Inovasi, which is based in Banyumas, Central Java.
"Palm sugar is in high demand in the Netherlands for use in traditional Indonesian cuisines at diaspora-owned eateries. "I was introduced to CV Hugo Inovasi through BNI's business matching program," he explained.
Takim hopes to continue working with BNI to meet quality MSME suppliers. Takim has also planned to apply for BNI's Diaspora Loan facility for warehouse purchases.
Member of Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Adisatrya Suryo Sulisto, said that Banyumas palm sugar has been exported to various countries.
"CV Hugo Inovasi is a BNI debtor that empowers local Banyumas farmers and exports palm sugar products abroad. Through BNI's business matching activities, CV Hugo Inovasi was introduced to Nesia Food and successfully exported two tons of palm sugar per month," said Adisatrya.
Adisatrya added, "BNI Amsterdam also manages diaspora customers who have various restaurants ranging from Padang food to Indonesian fine dining. Palm sugar imported from Banyumas has become the raw material for dishes in these restaurants."
"Hopefully in the future BNI will be able to continue to encourage local MSMEs to be ready to compete in the global market and accompany the diaspora of entrepreneurs to be more successful abroad," concluded Adisatrya.