TIMES AUSTRALIA, JAKARTA – PPI Dunia recently organized a program titled "Bincang Atase Perdagangan x Ngopi Bareng CEO" on Thursday (25/01/2024). The event took place in Melbourne, Australia, in hybrid.

This program also marked the launch of the Melbourne Export Community, aimed at providing a platform for Indonesian students in Melbourne. Similar to PPI Dunia's Export Communities in other countries, this forum serves as a space for exchanging information about exporting goods and services, particularly to Australia.

The Melbourne edition of Bincang Atdag is the flagship event of PPI Dunia after the successful implementation of the PPI Dunia Export School Batch 1.

The member of PPI Dunia in Australia and Kemendag staffs took a moment for picture. (Photo: PPI Dunia)

Amelia Devi Prasanti, the Head of Bilateral Strengthening at the Directorate of Innovation and Business Development of PPI Dunia, explained that the Bincang Atdag program is not limited to Australia alone. The initiative will extend to other countries such as Egypt and the United Kingdom. Through Bincang Atdag, students are expected to gain specific knowledge about markets in particular countries.

"This program is expected to address students' need for specific knowledge about markets in certain countries, enabling them to directly inquire with trade representatives about opportunities, procedures, and essential aspects to know before becoming exporters," said Amelia.

The Ministry of Trade

Agung Haris Setiawan, the Trade Attaché of the Republic of Indonesia in Canberra under the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag), expressed his appreciation. He sees the establishment of the Melbourne Export Community as a positive step for Indonesian students in the land Down Under.

This collective movement is expected to facilitate export activities, ultimately contributing to boosting Indonesia's trade value with Australia.

"My highest appreciation for the Melbourne Export Community and PPI Dunia, where this inauguration, I hope, will become a catalyst for similar movements by student diasporas who aspire to become exporters in other countries, carrying the spirit of export," expressed Agung.

Professional Exporters

Remarkably, the inaugural event of Bincang Atdag in Melbourne, Australia, featured not only the Trade Attaché of the Republic of Indonesia in Canberra as a speaker. Several successful Indonesian business figures who have expanded their businesses to Australia were also invited to the event. Notable figures included Michael Samsir, CEO of Import United, and Ivan Tandyo, CEO of Navanti Holdings.

Michael Samsir, CEO of Import United, highlighted the challenges faced by novice exporters. "One of the common issues faced by novice exporters is the lack of storage facilities in the destination country," he explained.

He added that this obstacle would not be insurmountable. Michael expressed his commitment to support students by facilitating exporter warehouse facilities for storing goods. "Import United has storage facilities that can be utilized by students aspiring to become exporters," said Michael.

Opportunities for the Students

Another opportunity for student entrepreneurs is the presence of Navanti Holdings as one of the leading business incubators in Australia. Ivan Tandyo, the founder and owner of Navanti Holdings, expressed his willingness to assist in curation and provide various training to encourage the entry of Indonesian products into Australia.

"We are ready to support students who aspire to become exporters. With curation support and export training, we hope to witness new Indonesian exporters emerging from among students who can contribute to the progress of the national economy," added Ivan.

Roles of Kemendag and PPI Dunia

In response to these developments, Taufiqurrahman Ali, an Indonesian student in Australia and the Coordinator of the Melbourne Export Community, expressed appreciation to all involved parties. According to Taufiq, support from various stakeholders motivates students to start learning about export.

"I express my gratitude to Mr. Trade Attaché of the Republic of Indonesia in Canberra, PPI Dunia, CEOs, and all parties involved in the Bincang Atdag program and the inauguration of the Melbourne Export Community. This is certainly a good start in encouraging the spirit of students in Australia, especially in Melbourne, to become exporters," concluded Taufiq.

Post-inauguration, it is hoped that the Melbourne Export Community will continue to communicate with various business stakeholders in Australia. PPI Dunia explained that this function serves to boost students' roles as export ambassadors and drive Indonesian exports' growth to Australia. (*)