Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs: Du Anyam, a role model for empowering women entrepreneurs to enter global stage
Indonesia, 13 Sep 2024 - The Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (KemenKopUKM) complimented Du Anyam on its 10-year journey that has successfully promoted the work of women entrepreneurs, especially mothers in Larantuka, East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on the global stage.
Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises
Teten Masduki
stated that Du Anyam’s effort is in line with the ministry's vision of supporting and developing young entrepreneurs, particularly women entrepreneurs.
“Du Anyam’s effort deserves our appreciation. Du Anyam has successfully played the role of an aggregator to connect and support the production of women weavers in NTT villages to a wider market, creating economic impact on women in remote villages while preserving cultural heritage,” he stated in a speech delivered virtually during a ceremony held to see off the export of lontar woven crafts from East Flores Regency to the global market. The ceremony was held in East Flores, NTT, on Friday (13/9).
Minister Teten
further said that the strategic partnership between Du Anyam and the KemenKopUKM is a tangible example of how the government can collaborate with social entrepreneurs who are a key driver of community-based economic growth.
The KemenKopUKM has also organised an entrepreneurship capacity-building program to facilitate entrepreneurship incubation through both public and private universities as incubators, as well as provincial, municipal and regency administrations.
“I call on local governments to identify and develop the potentials or advantages of their respective regions. They can follow the example set by Du Anyam to innovate to create a high-value new economy, resulting in its products being accepted globally through woven products made of lontar leaves,” said
Minister Teten
.
On the same occasion, the MenKopUKM also expressed appreciation for Bank DBS Indonesia and DBS Foundation that have consistently supported and promoted social enterprises through mentoring and funding programmes, enabling them to grow and expand internationally. This proves that collaboration between the private sector and the government can advance the entrepreneurial industry while tackling social issues.
Acting Deputy for SMEs at the KemenKopUKM
Temmy Setya Permana
said that Du Anyam’s business model deserved appreciation and was worth emulating. The use of superior local natural resources can drive economic growth and increase the income of the local community.
“We’re promoting products that may have been unthinkable in the past. These are the kinds of products we hope to export. Therefore, we are highly supportive of this effort. There has been meaningful support from various parties to promote products from NTT, which has abundant raw materials. Thus, we encourage the use of superior local resources that add value, ultimately boosting regional income. We hope this business model can be replicated by all parties,” said
Temmy
.
At the same event, Du Anyam Founder
Hanna Keraf
said that Du Anyam has high confidence in the potential of lontar weaving from NTT becoming a major force that not only strengthens the local economy but also brings significant social impact.
For the people of NTT, especially those living on Rote and Sabu islands, the lontar tree plays an important role in their lives. The local people call it the “tree of life” as all of its parts are useful in many aspects of life.
“By utilising the skills of weaving lontar leaves that have been passed on through generations, we are not only creating valuable products but also providing women with the ability and opportunity to make decisions for themselves, become leaders, and plan their future and their children’s future," she said.
As of September 2023, Du Anyam has shipped 13 containers of products to meet domestic and international market demands. Lontar woven products from NTT are now available in 52 countries, with a sales target of more than 450,000 products by 2028.
Looking back at its decade-long journey, Du Anyam remains committed to core values such as women's empowerment, sustainability, and cultural preservation. The 10-year journey is also proof that social enterprises like Du Anyam can survive and stay true to its initial commitment.
“We are committed to continuing to invest in developing the skills of weavers, expanding markets, and innovating our products. Going forward, we will continue to strive to contribute to a sustainable green economy,” said Hanna.
Head of Group Strategic Marketing & Communications at Bank DBS Indonesia
Mona Monika
said that since receiving a grant from DBS Foundation in 2017, Du Anyam has been able to leverage its great potential to drive positive social impact through the empowerment of women, especially in NTT.
“With the support of DBS Foundation, Du Anyam has been able to realise its spark in driving positive social impact, empowering women, improving economic life, and promoting sustainability through responsible business practices,” said
Mona Monika
.
Acting East Flores Regent
Sulastri Rasyid
stated that Du Anyam has played a significant role in developing women entrepreneurs in East Flores. She is confident that Du Anyam will continue to serve as a platform that can improve the economic conditions of mothers in East Flores.
"Hopefully, this 10th anniversary will inspire Du Anyam and women in East Flores to become more innovative and creative in creating works that can elevate the dignity of the women of East Flores in Indonesia and the world. To support Du Anyam, we will introduce a replanting policy for lontar trees through the Plantation Office to prevent the trees from becoming extinct and to ensure that the trees live forever in East Flores,” said Sulastri.
About DBS Foundation
Established in 2014, DBS Foundation is committed to uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact. It aims to bring hope to those with less today, so no one is left behind and we can all face the future with confidence.
In 2024, DBS committed up to SGD 1 billion dollars over the next decade to support vulnerable communities. It also pledged to contribute 1.5 million employee volunteer hours over the same period.
Together with an ecosystem of like-minded partners, DBS Foundation seeks to create impact that goes beyond banking, beyond borders, and beyond generations.
For more information, please visit:
www.dbs.com/dbsfoundation
.
About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank’s “AA-” and “Aa1” credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named
“World’s Best Bank”
by Global Finance,
“World’s Best Bank”
by Euromoney and
“Global Bank of the Year”
by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named
“World’s Best Digital Bank
” by Euromoney and the world’s “
Most Innovative in Digital Banking”
by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the
“Safest Bank in Asia
“ award by Global Finance for 15 consecutive years from 2009 to 2023. DBS Indonesia is ranked second in the top as
World’s Best Bank in Indonesia
for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022.
Established in 1989 as part of the Singapore-based DBS Group, PT Bank DBS Indonesia (Bank DBS Indonesia) is one of the banks with the longest history in Asia. Currently operating 1 Head Office, 13 Branch Offices, 16 Assistant Offices and 4 Functional Offices and 3,011 active employees in 15 Major Cities in Indonesia, Bank DBS Indonesia provides comprehensive banking services in the corporate, SME and consumer banking segments that focuses on the customer experience to 'Live more, Bank less'. We also see a purpose beyond banking and are committed to supporting our customers, employees and the community towards a sustainable future.
PT Bank DBS Indonesia
is licensed and supervised by The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK), and an insured member of Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).
DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting businesses for impact: enterprises with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping underserved communities with future-ready skills and helping them to build food resilience.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit
www.dbs.com.
DBS Bank Ltd | 12 Marina Boulevard, DBS Asia Central @ Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3,
Singapore 018982 | Co. Reg. No. 196800306E
Tel: 65.6878 8888 | www.dbs.com
