"Bamboo products must be included in the catalogs. The association could communicate with the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs so that they can be linked to the catalogs, including those of the local governments, LKPP (Nationa Public Procurement Agency), and State-Owned Companies (SOEs)," he said during a dialogue with members of the Association of Bamboo Producers in Sukabumi, West Java.
Bamboo products were potential to be marketed in both domestic and international markets, he said in a statement on Sunday.
Hence, the ministry is keen to make sure that micro, small and medium-scale enterprises have access to export their products, according to him
"Indeed, our goal is definitely to be able to export our products, but it is gradual. The first step is to find partners. The Cooperatives and SME Ministry could help find mutually beneficial partners," he remarked.
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Bamboo products are in demand as Indonesia is currently developing tourist villages which use bamboo to build accommodation facilities and gazebos , he said referring to the Tourism Village development program.
He reiterated the ministry's commitment in promoting bamboo crafts both domestically and internationally.
Hakim encouraged businessmen and Sukabumi administration to use bamboo as building materials for restaurants, cafes, and government offices.
Chairman of the Sukabumi Bamboo Producer Association, Agus Ramdhani, on the occasion, emphasized the importance of the bamboo producers to keep up with the technological progress and use digital system to market their products.
He said that several members of the association have exported their products to the Middle East.
Ramdhani, however, complained that the prices of bamboo products are very low that it would be difficult to improve the welfare of bamboo craftsmen.
The types of products exported range from calligraphy, key chains, to basic materials for home furnishings.
There is also a demand for bamboo spoon and fork supplies for hotels.
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Translator: M Baqir Alatas, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
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