Diponegoro University Mechanical Engineering student Class 2017, Humam Kurniadhitama, launched the first export of dried gracillaria seaweed to Vietnam. The launch of the initial export of 90 tons of dried seaweed worth 55,000 US Dollars or the equivalent of Rp. This 800 million took place at Tanjung Emas Port, Semarang on Friday afternoon (25/2/2022). Humam, founder and owner of CV. Putra Haryanto Jaya, in carrying out this first export, collaborated with CV. Agung Warna Bumi to fulfill the export quota that has been determined by the Vietnamese importer, which is a minimum of 90 tons and a maximum of 400 tons per month.

Even though he majored in Mechanical Engineering, Humam continued to explore his other potential. That’s where he found his interest in the business world. Starting from the clothing business to becoming a Barista, he has worked before finally deciding to try exporting dried seaweed. He has experienced the ups and downs in the business world.

“Losing in business is normal. Especially as a student who is concurrently studying while running a business. I take advantage of this opportunity to learn. If there is profit from the business we run, that is a bonus,” explained Humam.

Humam decided to do dried seaweed business after joining and receiving guidance from the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Center – Department of Trade and Industry of Central Java Province. He also takes the seaweed business seriously. Moreover, the opportunity to export dried seaweed is still wide open.

“Initially it was difficult to find seaweed farmers. I went directly to seaweed farmers in Serang, Banten, Semarang city to several cities in East Java. We take most of the seaweed products for this export commodity from East Java, some from West Java and Central Java,” he admitted.

To maintain the quality of seaweed products, Humam utilizes a laboratory owned by FPIK Diponegoro University to test the content of seaweed before it is exported. According to him, in running a business, maintaining integrity and trust is the key.

“The values ​​that I apply in my business are integrity first. If we have something to offer our business partners, tell us honestly what the quality of the product we offer is like. Don’t overdo it. Second, trust, because trust is the key for people who want to build relationships and do business,” said Humam.

When asked if he is not afraid of being deceived or losing again, Humam said that export activities under the guidance of the FTA Center are fully guaranteed. Because FTA acts as an intermediary between exporters and importers, including in terms of payments.

This dry seaweed export agreement to Vietnam is valid for 2 years. There is enough time for business expansion. Humam hopes that in the near future he will be able to fulfill his desire to establish a seaweed processing center so that the exported products are in finished form, not raw materials anymore, so that the selling price is more expensive.

He advised his college friends who are interested in doing business like himself to make up their mind and run the business seriously.

“Never give up, just do what’s in front of you seriously. My motto is, when we have the opportunity, we have the will, we have the ability that’s where we can really work on it. Finally, successful or not, it’s God’s will,” said Humam closing the conversation. (Hariyani)

Source: Universitas Diponegoro