PT Export Tani Nusantara, an IPB University Mentored Startup, Exports Areca Nuts to Bangladesh and the Maldives
The Rector of IPB University and the Indonesian Minister of Trade (Mendag) launched the export of areca nuts to Bangladesh and the Maldives by PT Export Tani Nusantara, an IPB University-mentored startup. This event took place in conjunction with the Campus Preneur event organized by the Ministry of Trade at the IPB Dramaga Campus on Friday (6/12).
Indonesian Minister of Trade Dr Budi Santoso, who attended the event, stated that the Campus Preneur program is designed to equip students with entrepreneurial and marketing skills so they can become business owners or exporters while still in college.
“The Campus Preneur program aims to educate students so they can learn directly from exporters and business owners. It’s not just about exports, but also how to market products in both domestic and international markets,” he said.
The Minister cited the success of Al Fiqie, founder of PT Export Tani Nusantara, who successfully developed an export business while still in college. “We want more students to follow in his footsteps. Upon graduation, they won’t just be looking for jobs, but will be able to create jobs,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Rector of IPB University, Dr Alim Setiawan Slamet, emphasized that Campus Preneur aligns with IPB University’s vision as a Techno-Social Entrepreneur University focused on producing graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit who are capable of making a positive impact on society.
“We aim to produce outstanding human resources with an entrepreneurial mindset. Therefore, the Campus Preneur program is highly synergistic with IPB University’s development direction,” he said.
The Rector explained that IPB University is building an integrated entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranging from startup incubation to village-based programs such as One Village One CEO (OVOC) and One Village One Export. Collaboration with the Ministry of Trade is seen as further strengthening market access for students and entrepreneurs mentored by IPB University.
On the same occasion, Al Fiqie, CEO of PT Export Tani Nusantara, explained that the export business he launched during his third semester of college is now growing rapidly. Currently, the company he founded regularly exports areca nuts in volumes of around 54 tons and ships five to six containers each month.
He noted that the high international market demand for Indonesian areca nuts presents a significant opportunity for farmers and entrepreneurs to expand their export markets. This success is further bolstered by a trade contract worth Rp33 billion secured by PT Export Tani Nusantara this year through a trade exhibition in Shanghai, China.
“At first, we only shipped one container every three months. But now we’ve reached five to six containers per month. This motivates us to continue increasing our production capacity, expanding our partnerships with farmers, and developing a broader export market,” said Al Fiqie.
Moving forward, he plans to develop various value-added betel nut derivative products through collaboration with IPB University research teams. “We aim to develop products such as sliced betel nut and roasted betel nut so that our exports consist not only of raw materials but also processed products with higher economic value,” he said.
This betel nut export launch demonstrates that synergy between universities, the government, and the business sector can open up global market access for Indonesian agricultural commodities while fostering a new generation of competitive young exporters who benefit farmers and the community. (AS) (IAAS/LAN)
