Bienature Farm, an IPB Mentored Startup, Secures a Potential Rp1 Billion Partnership to Enter the Omani Market
Bienature Farm, a startup mentored by IPB University, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth Rp1 billion with a partner from Oman. The value of this partnership has the potential to increase to Rp3 billion following further discussions.
The agreement was explored at the 41st Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) on (10/14-18) through a booth managed by IPB University’s Institute for Agromaritime Development and Innopreneurship Acceleration (LPA2I), as part of the Campuspreneur Award 2026 series.
Bringing Sweet Potatoes to the International Market
Bienature Farm introduced four sweet potato-based products: purple sweet potatoes, honey sweet potatoes (also known as cilembu), purple yam powder, and sweet potato powder. These fresh and processed products caught the attention of potential partners from Oman.
In addition to expanding options for buyers, the development of powdered products opens up opportunities to utilize sweet potatoes as raw materials for the food industry.
Ilham Indanu Sitepu, CEO of PT Bienature Farm, stated that the business he has developed connects farmers with the market through the procurement of agricultural produce, post harvest handling, processing, and marketing. Partnerships with farmers are key to maintaining the availability and consistency of supply.
“Our goal is not merely to secure a business deal, but to build a sustainable agricultural enterprise, increase the value of local products, and generate economic benefits for our partner farmers,” said Ilham, who is also an alumnus of IPB University.
Next Steps
To follow up on this opportunity, Bienature Farm will develop a business plan together with the Omani buyer, covering everything from product specifications, supply capacity, and pricing to shipping mechanisms including supply schedules and transaction implementation phases.
The company also plans to increase production capacity and quality by strengthening partnerships with farmers, improving post harvest processes, and developing processed products.
“To meet international market demands, we are also strengthening quality standards, packaging quality, and export requirements tailored to the destination countries,” he added.
In its development, Bienature Farm has received support from IPB University’s Promoting Research and Innovation through Modern and Efficient Science and Techno Park (PRIME STeP) program to strengthen its business and expand its business network, so that export opportunities can grow into sustainable partnerships that provide added value for partner farmers. (*/Rz) (IAAS/KQA)
