The House of Handicraft Indonesia program in Tokyo, Japan, helps Indonesian Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) reach the Japanese market, which applies product standards equivalent to those in Western Europe.

Bogor, W Java (Indonesia Window) – More than 40 Indonesian Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) have showcased their products in Japan, a market that has traditionally been difficult for this sector to penetrate.

The success of entering the international market has been achieved by Indonesian entrepreneurs through the House of Handicraft Indonesia program in Tokyo (HHT).

“I feel more motivated to do business in the international market after participating in HHT,” Director of Canela Home Decorative/Furniture and Home Décor, Maria Caecillia Nurcahya, said in a press release received by Indonesia Window in Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday.

She noted that there was a transaction gained by the SMEs during the HHT program that reached more than 50 million rupiahs (about over 3,310 U.S. dollars).

Japan is known for its product standards equivalent to those in Western Europe, making it a significant challenge for Indonesian SMEs. Through collaboration between HHT, non-profit organizations (NGOs), and the government, these challenges have been managed.

“For us, this is a significant achievement, as through Japan, we can expand our business to various countries around the world,” Maria stated.

She added that not only does Japan serve as a base for international marketing for Indonesian products but also help them with label ‘Made in Indonesia’ penetrate the country of the rising sun and expand their market in this East Asian country.

To join the House of Handicraft Indonesia program in Tokyo (HHT), SMEs can contact the admin via email at promosijp@gmail.com.

Maria hoped that the number of HHT members would continue to grow, stating, “Through this showcase channel, we, the Indonesian SMEs, can progress and stand on our own feet. Furthermore, our business brands would surely rise globally”.

Meanwhile, the organizer of HHT, Office Promosi Ltd., Japan, hoped that Indonesian SMEs could achieve even greater success in marketing ‘Made in Indonesia’ products in the country.

“We have indeed accurately planned and adapted to the business environment in Japan, so that Indonesian products can be accepted by Japanese consumers,” CEO of Office Promosi Ltd., Tokyo Japan, Richard Susilo, said, on Wednesday.

HHT serves as a joint office for Indonesian SMEs in Tokyo, Japan, receiving full support from the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo. By renting a space at HHT, Indonesian SMEs attain a Japanese address and phone number as their representative company in Tokyo, to include on their business cards.

Having a branch office in Tokyo is expected to further facilitate entrepreneurs in gaining trust from potential buyers in Japan. At the HHT office, business players can also make trading transactions, hold workshops, seminars, and training to enhance the quality of Indonesian SMEs, and various other activities.

All those benefits are expected to enhance the quality of Indonesian SMEs’ business and products in the future, and therefore help them expand their markets worldwide, Richard said.

Reporting by Indonesia Window