Indonesian Diaspora Develops Nusantara Culinary Business in the Netherlands with BNI Support
Introducing authentic Indonesian flavours to the international market requires more than just cooking expertise. It demands the courage to build a business in a foreign country as well as the support of strategic partners capable of accompanying sustainable business growth. This spirit is reflected in the journey of Suprapti, owner of Waroeng Padang Lapek in The Hague, Netherlands.
Armed with a love for Minangkabau cuisine, Suprapti has successfully developed her business into one of the recognised Indonesian culinary destinations, both among the diaspora and the local community in the Netherlands. This success is inseparable from the support of PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BNI), which provided financing facilities to strengthen business capacity and expansion.
Established on 3 October 2019, Waroeng Padang Lapek, located at Schoolstraat 26, The Hague, was founded with a mission to bring the authentic taste of the homeland to Europe. The restaurant maintains original Padang recipes with signature dishes.
“From the outset, we wanted to present Padang cuisine with a truly authentic flavour. The reception we have received shows that Indonesian cuisine holds a special place in the hearts of the Dutch public,” said Suprapti.
As demand increased, Waroeng Padang Lapek took a strategic step by operating a central kitchen at Mercuriusweg 70, The Hague. This facility serves as a production and distribution centre to maintain consistent product quality and improve operational efficiency.
In 2025, BNI provided additional credit facilities which Suprapti used to purchase the central kitchen property, which was previously leased. This step strengthened the business foundation in support of long-term expansion, including plans to open a new branch in Amsterdam in 2026.
BNI President Director Putrama Wahju Setyawan stated that the journey of Waroeng Padang Lapek is clear evidence of the immense potential of the Indonesian diaspora in promoting the nation’s culture through economic channels. According to him, strengthening production capacity and expanding networks are key for business owners to serve a wider market without sacrificing quality.
“For BNI, supporting the Indonesian diaspora is not only about providing access to financing, but also about being a partner that helps business owners strengthen their business capacity and expand their reach in the global market,” Putrama asserted.
This collaboration serves as a concrete example of how the banking sector can create added value for businesses while simultaneously strengthening the nation’s identity on the international stage.
Entering its 80th year with the theme Swadharma Bhakti Nagara, BNI continues to reinforce its role as a bank with a global mandate. As part of the Danantara Indonesia ecosystem, BNI is committed to delivering adaptive and integrated financial solutions.
Support for Waroeng Padang Lapek is part of BNI’s broader strategy to help more Indonesian business owners penetrate the global market, bringing products, culture, and national identity to the world stage sustainably.