Bekasi soy sauce producer breaks into European market
A soy sauce producer from Bekasi Regency, West Java, PT Oishii Food Indonesia, has successfully penetrated the European market with an inaugural export of 20 tonnes of product to the Netherlands, marking an important milestone in strengthening the competitiveness of local SMEs.
West Java Regional Secretary Erwan Setiawan expressed appreciation for the company’s success in entering the European market, which he said demonstrates that West Java’s SMEs have significant potential to grow and compete internationally.
“The West Java Provincial Government will continue to support, mutually support and mutually assist in developing the SMEs in West Java,” Erwan said in Bekasi Regency on Monday.
He described the SME’s business expansion as an extraordinary achievement, particularly as this was its first export to Europe. He expressed hope that the accomplishment would inspire other SMEs in West Java, especially in Bekasi Regency.
“This has happened very quickly. In 2025 it took part in the Karya Kreatif Indonesia (KKI) exhibition, and now it is already able to export to the Netherlands. Previously it had also exported six containers to Saudi Arabia,” he said.
According to Erwan, the success underscores the importance of SME participation in various promotional activities and product exhibitions, where they can meet prospective buyers from different countries directly.
The West Java Provincial Government is committed to continuing to assist SMEs seeking to expand their export markets to various countries. It has even established communication with a number of country representatives that could open marketing opportunities for West Java SME products in Eastern Europe and Australia.
Erwan noted that the soy sauce exported to the Netherlands already has a clear market because the shipment was based on orders. This indicates demand for Indonesian products in international markets, including among people of Indonesian descent living abroad.
Bekasi Regency Regional Secretary Endin Samsudin also expressed appreciation to the company for graduating from SME status to become capable of exporting overseas.
“Congratulations on moving up from SME status. This is certainly the first export and hopefully it will be followed by other SMEs in Bekasi Regency,” he said.
Endin said the success could motivate other SMEs to continue improving product quality, strengthening competitiveness and opening wider market access.
The regional government is open and ready to facilitate the development of SMEs as part of efforts to boost the community’s economy.
The soy sauce company’s success is not only a source of pride for Bekasi Regency but also demonstrates that regional products can compete at national and international levels.
“This is one of the products that today is a source of pride for Bekasi Regency, entering the national sphere so that it can bring honour to Indonesia and Bekasi Regency,” he said.
He expressed hope that more SMEs in Bekasi Regency would follow suit in penetrating export markets, whether in Europe or other countries.
“Hopefully other SMEs in Bekasi Regency can move up a class and export their goods, whether to Europe or other overseas destinations,” he said.