Magetan exports processed foods produced by six UMKM to the Maldives
Magetan Regency, East Java, has exported a full container of processed foods produced by six UMKM from the area to the Maldives, in South Asia. The departure was led by Magetan Regent Nanik Endang Rusminiarti, who said the achievement demonstrates that Magetan’s local UMKM can compete in the global market. She underlined that the Magetan government would continue to strengthen support so that more local businesses can enter export markets.
“This achievement is highly proud. UMKM from Magetan can now export independently. The Magetan Regency Government will continue to provide motivation and support so that more entrepreneurs can follow in this step,” she said at the departure ceremony, held at the H&G Tempe Chips and Sambal Pecel production site in Tebon Village, Barat District, Magetan Regency, on Thursday.
She said that the six UMKM involved in the export are all from Magetan. They are UMKM Kentang Mustofa, H&G Tempe, Arrohman Kerupuk Sukun, Wisnu Mushroom Chips, and Piscrunch.
The processed foods exported include tempeh chips, pecel sambal, puli crackers, potato chips, sukun chips, banana chips, teri kacang kentang balado, and mushroom chips.
She hoped the number would rise further through enhanced collaboration among local government, business people, and the Ministry of Trade, via the Export Center Surabaya that continues to provide support.
“All the exporters this time are our own UMKM. Of course we hope the number will grow, so that more can move up a level,” she said.
Coordinator of Technical Staff in the Product Standardisation, Market Access, Promotion, Marketing, and Export Product Curation at Export Center Surabaya, Ministry of Trade, Jalian Setiarsa, said they are continuing to develop a mentoring programme for UMKM with export experience.
“We continue to push market expansion and work with local governments, including the Magetan Regency Government. This programme is indeed aimed at UMKM that have previously exported,” he said.
He added that the Export Center Surabaya almost every month assists and mentors UMKM from various regions in East Java to break into international markets, with a varied range of products.
Among the products with strong export potential and that have received mentoring are processed foods, powdered beverages, handicrafts, batik, and fashion.
Ita Listiana, owner of H&G’s tempe chips and pecel sambal, said she was proud Magetan’s products can finally export independently. “Previously, exports typically had to be grouped with other areas. Our exports have often joined other regions like Situbondo, Surabaya, or Mojokerto. This moment feels like a dream, because Magetan can finally ship its products on its own,” she said.
In this shipment, tempeh chips were supplied in large quantities to fill a full container. Ita hopes this achievement will spur other Magetan UMKM to venture into international markets.