International Business D3 students of the Faculty of Economics and Business class 2019 named Muhammad Salsa Fadiellah, Akbar Perdana, and Alfani started to enter the export business of palm sugar products in college. The students introduced “Gula Semut” from Banyumas and Purbalingga to international markets, namely America, India, Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore. Apart from these countries, they are currently going to several other countries, including Germany, Europe, and Canada. The start of the palm sugar export business, when Muhammad Salsa Fadiellah was entrusted as chairman of the FEB 2021 Mitra Desa committee, he saw several superior commodities in Sunyalangu Village, namely cardamom products. Muhammad Salsa Fadiellah said the idea for export did not come by itself, “Actually, I thought about exporting it when I met with Akbar. So Akbar wants to export but doesn’t have the right partner yet. But I have an idea to supply goods in Sidomuncul earlier. Because I think yes, instead of me supplying it to my own country which is relatively the same price and the profit is small, why not we try to export it,” he explained. After conducting another survey, they found the potential of the superior product in the village of Sunyalangu, namely “Gula Semut”. Muhammad Salsa Fadiellah revealed, “This “Gula Semut” is an alternative to cane sugar abroad. Because cane sugar is sweet but evil. Compared to this “Gula Semut”, it is healthier and seeing the potential, they finally thought of supplying “Gula Semut” abroad.
After conducting another survey, they found the potential of the superior product in the village of Sunyalangu, namely “Gula Semut”. Muhammad Salsa Fadiellah revealed, “This “Gula Semut” is an alternative to cane sugar abroad because cane sugar is sweet but evil. Compared to this ant sugar, it is healthier” seeing the potential, they finally thought of supplying ant sugar abroad. The three students started their business by partnering with palm sugar producers to help market them to several countries. The products they currently sell consist of 3 types of “Gula Semut”: organic, inorganic, sugar, and natural. “Gula Semut” Organic means it’s actually from coconut, and they are certified, which means they are more expensive. The second is non-organic, namely mixed coconut sugar. So, for example, 10% coconut sugar, and the remaining 40% is a mixture of ordinary sugar. So the third one is natural. This means that the sugar is 100% coconut but not certified,” said Muhammad Salsa Fadiellah. The marketing method they use to market to foreign markets is through a website via a crack map, and then they will go for a business thread containing paid data. Muhammad Salsa Fadiellah explained, “Yes, through the website, then we contact the buyer via e-mail. So this website is just a storefront, an online shop. So, one form of buyer trust in us is a website. “Gula Semut” products are sold per kilogram according to the buyer’s request. “The difference in the selling price of ant sugar is based on legality certification in several countries,” he added.
While starting the palm sugar business, Muhammad Salsa Fadiellah and his two colleagues encountered several obstacles. However, this did not make them give up because of their cohesiveness and teamwork. “In doing business, one needs to be brave to take risks and consistent,” said Muhammad Salsa Fadiellah. He advised students who want to enter the business world to be brave to start something because not all businesses have to be about passion but opportunities. “As long as there is an opportunity and you are sure, go ahead.” Not a few graduates from college choose to build their businesses. Becoming a young entrepreneur is the current trend that many young people choose. Building a business is not only successful in bringing business profits but more than that, building a business provides benefits and positive impacts.
(Reporters: Zulfa and Yuli; Author: Fina; Editorial: Zulfa)