Surabaya, Indonesia, October 23, 2023 - Shopee Barokah, Shopee's one-stop platform supporting the Islamic lifestyle, has launched the "Santri Ready to Export with Shopee" initiative in collaboration with the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU). Introduced as part of the National Santri Day 2023 celebrations, this program aims to equip 1,000 Santri with the skills needed to shine on the global arena. It offers them comprehensive education, mentorship, and the opportunity to access international markets, all with the invaluable support of scholars like Habib Syech bin Abdul Qodir Assegaf.
As a continuation of Shopee Barokah's initiative for Santri in Indonesia, the products created by the Santri will also be included in the Shopee Export Program and can be purchased by Shopee users from various countries in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Latin America.
Yahya Chalil Staquf, the Chairman of PBNU, expressed his appreciation for Shopee Barokah's efforts to expand the market for products created by Santri to the global stage. "This marks a remarkable milestone, wherein the creations of the Santri can be appreciated not only by fellow Indonesians but also by people worldwide. Without a doubt, this program resonates with the spirit of 'Jihad Santri Jayakan Negeri,' as we aspire for the Santri to help contribute to the nation's progress and development through their locally crafted products. Following in the footsteps of successful SMEs that have ventured onto the global stage, we envision the Santri, now equipped as 'Santripreneurs,' will become a source of positive influence within the pesantren community and eventually, a pillar for community economic development,” explained Yahya.
Radynal Nataprawira, Head of Public Affairs at Shopee Indonesia, shared that the effort to prepare 1,000 export-ready Santri represents a new and significant step in meeting the challenges of our times. "The President has rightly recognized the vast potential within the 36,000 pesantren. Through the Santri export initiative, we aim to create substantial momentum, one that can enhance our nation's reputation on the global stage through the invaluable contributions of these dedicated Santri," he added.
In early 2023, Shopee Barokah took the initial stride by introducing digital training for Santri. The next endeavor will help assist the Santri in accessing the global market through the "Santri Ready to Export with Shopee" program. Radynal expressed his appreciation, saying, "we are also deeply thankful for the unwavering support from the Central Executive Board of PBNU. It is through this synergy that we are launching this program, set to benefit 1,000 Santri who will receive education and training focused on international exports. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to PBNU for their enduring support to Shopee Barokah and we take pride in supporting the Santri to broaden their positive influence on society."
One thousand male and female Santri are set to engage in export training at the Shopee Export UMKM Campus, strategically situated in ten prominent cities across Indonesia, including Solo, Bandung, Jakarta, Medan, Malang, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Samarinda, Makassar, and Sanur. During the National Santri Day's Parade of Salawat, organized by the Central Executive Board of PBNU in Surabaya, Shopee Barokah exhibited its commitment by hosting a dedicated booth to disseminate knowledge about the onboarding process and introduce Shopee’s export training program to all Santri and pesantren communities in attendance.
Success Stories of Santri Entrepreneurs Who Have Successfully Exported to Three Countries
Agung and Fatatul, a married couple hailing from Kepanjen in Malang Regency, East Java, share their inspiring journey. Agung, who received his education at Darul Mahammid Islamic Boarding School in Kepanjen, Malang, continues to be an active Santri within the Al-Umm Taklim Assembly in Kepanjen. Their journey as online entrepreneurs commenced in 2016, a pivotal year when they were expecting their first child. It was then that they made a decision to purchase baby essentials for themselves. With a surplus of items on hand, they chose to venture into online retail, launching their store on Shopee under the name "Ummababyshop."
Agung and Fatatul's decision to sell on Shopee has proven to be a remarkable turning point for their business. Presently, Ummababyshop has rapidly grown, and consistently processes a minimum of 1,000 orders daily through the Shopee platform. Their decision to expand their reach by exporting to Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines has also brought about an impressive 200% surge in transactions, further propelling their success.
“Shopee's online training has provided me with invaluable insights on optimizing features and promotions. I'm particularly delighted with the support I've received for expanding my business into Malaysia and the Philippines, and it has been a comprehensive and outstanding experience thus far. Alhamdulillah, starting with just an initial investment of 1 million Indonesian Rupiah, I am now consistently receiving a minimum of 1,000 orders per day," he elaborated.
This program is anticipated to open up new horizons for the Santri, enabling them to make a significant economic impact within their local communities.
