With BRI Support, Merauke Micro-Enterprise Reaches Wider Markets

Maintaining local culinary traditions while supporting a family economy is no easy feat, especially when a business relies heavily on natural conditions and the availability of raw materials.

Nevertheless, this is the journey undertaken by Sugi Wahnguni, owner of the ‘Olahan Terasi Kumbe’ micro-enterprise from Kampung Kumbe, Malind District, Merauke Regency, South Papua. Starting from a family heritage business, Sugi strives to preserve the authentic flavour of Terasi Kumbe while ensuring her business continues to grow and benefit her family.

In this journey, BRI has provided capital support to help maintain business continuity and strengthen business capacity. Sugi shared that the Terasi Kumbe business is a multi-generational legacy, pioneered by her father-in-law since 1992.

Now, among all the extended family members, Sugi and her family hold the baton to continue producing this signature Merauke culinary product. The main strength of Terasi Kumbe lies in its commitment to authentic raw materials.

“Authentic Kumbe shrimp paste contains no other additives. It is only rebon shrimp, fine shrimp, and salt,” Sugi stated on Sunday (30/8/2026).

Without artificial colours or preservatives, the product relies entirely on salt as a natural preservative. This pure and natural flavour is why Terasi Kumbe is beloved by customers. The product is no longer just circulating in Merauke, but is frequently brought by customers to Tanah Merah, Boven, Makassar, and even to Java.

Additionally, Sugi noted that producing natural shrimp paste presents its own challenges. Unlike industrial raw materials such as flour, which are always available in shops, rebon shrimp is highly dependent on the season and natural conditions.

Within a year, rebon shrimp only appears a few times and for only a few weeks. Therefore, Sugi must act quickly to capitalise on these seasonal moments by purchasing large quantities of rebon shrimp as stock.

Amidst these dynamic challenges, the tangible role of BRI has been felt since 201s7. Sugi’s meeting with Ms Aida, a BRI officer (Mantri), became a significant turning point in gaining the much-needed access to capital to secure raw material stocks when the shrimp season arrives.

“Alhamdulillah, it has been able to run well. In a sense, I have been helped,” Sugi expressed her gratitude for the financial support received.

Beyond assisting daily operational smoothness, the financing support from BRI has also helped Sugi strengthen her business resilience through the addition of productive assets. Part of the loan was used to purchase a plot of land planted with betel nut to ensure the asset continues to support the future sustainability of the business.

The strengthening of Sugi’s business did not stop at capital aspects. Through a business cluster approach, BRI also encourages the formation of an ecosystem that connects entrepreneurs with needs, potential, and broader development opportunities. This approach helps businesses like Terasi Kumbe grow not just individually, but alongside the surrounding business community.

The relationship between Sugi Wahyuni and BRI is built on excellent rapport and transparency. Sugi recounted how the BRI officer consistently provides guidance with rapid responses and good service, even offering additional capital when seeing the potential for her business to thrive.

This partnership, based on mutual trust, has helped Sugi develop her business gradually and responsibly.

Due to her perseverance in maintaining the authentic quality of Terasi Kumbe, Sugi Wahyuni’s reputation has been recognised by the local government. Upon recommendation from the Fisheries Office, she was invited to serve as a resource person to train communities in remote areas, such as Tabonji, in producing high-quality shrimp paste.

“I never feel like I am lecturing. For me, if I can be useful, I will do it. Just as BRI helped me, I will provide support to fellow entrepreneurs, as long as it is truly beneficial,” she explained.

BRI Corporate Secretary Dhanny stated that BRI continues to encourage the strengthening of MSMEs so they can grow sustainably and provide a wider impact on society.

“BRI believes that MSMEs play a vital role in driving the Indonesian economy. Therefore, we continue to encourage entrepreneurs not only to be able to survive and grow but also to have the capacity to create wider benefits for the environment and the surrounding community,” said Dhanny.