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BNI supports diaspora MSME expansion in England – again
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BNI support: Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno (center) and BNI London general manager Roekma Hari Adji (left), with Waroeng Windsor co-investor Yayah Wise and Waroeng Windsor owners Aqaya Davenport and Phil Davenport attend a ceremony in London on Wednesday (9/11/2022). (Photo: BNI Document)
T
he Indonesian culinary industry has shown continuous development on the global stage. Not only introducing their country’s specialties, Indonesian culinary entrepreneurs have proven that they are be able to compete and gain a loyal following to improve economic value for families and communities.
PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk., or BNI, is committed to playing a strategic role as an Indonesia-based global bank that specifically helps the diaspora develop businesses overseas.
Most recently, BNI has succeeded in acquiring another diaspora borrower in the culinary field of Waroeng Windsor belonging to the Indonesian Diaspora Aqaya Davenport in Windsor, England. This step is an addition to BNI’s list of successes globally in the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) segment.
Not only that, the Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno had the opportunity to visit and inaugurate Waroeng Windsor in Windsor, England, the United Kingdom, earlier this week.
In his remarks, Sandiaga Uno expressed his appreciation for the positive distribution of credit for the Indonesian Diaspora business in England carried out by BNI. He stated that BNI had a very beneficial program for the Indonesian diaspora MSMEs.
In a statement, BNI corporate secretary Okki Rushartomo said one of BNI's mandates was to facilitate Indonesia-related business abroad. In addition to opening its first international branch in 1955, BNI also has Overseas Branch Offices (KCLN) in various international business centers: Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, London and New York. BNI also serves from one sub-branch in Osaka, Japan, and from the Representative Office in Amsterdam.
According to Okki, Waroeng Windsor has great potential to expand because of its ability to attract culinary enthusiasts in England.
“We are proud to be given the opportunity to contribute to the development of Waroeng Windsor. Through this Diaspora Loan, we hope to be able to accommodate more of the needs of the Indonesian diaspora in England in developing their businesses,” said Okki.
Okki explained that specifically for the Diaspora Loan program, BNI had been running the program since 2021 with the aim of providing financing support for Indonesia-related businesses run by members of the diaspora.
“This diaspora loan is one of BNI's steps in exploring business potential, both from abroad to Indonesia and from Indonesia to overseas. Up until September 2022, BNI had collaborated with 29 diaspora customers in various sectors, including 14 restaurants, 11 trading or services, three minimarkets and one transportation service," he concluded.
The ups and downs of rank one
Aqaya Davenport said Waroeng Windsor itself was a restaurant owned by members of the Indonesian diaspora that adopted the concept of a warung (kiosk). The first of its establishment was opened in Aldershot and immediately received a positive reception from both the Indonesian diaspora and the British culinary community.
"Blessed by our love for Indonesian food, we are grateful that Waroeng Windsor was awarded the #1 Tripadvisor ranking out of 62 restaurants in Aldershot," she said.
Nevertheless, the journey of the business was not always smooth. During the pandemic, Aqaya revealed, the business was affected and had to be closed for six months.
However, patience paid off in the end. At the event, Awaya had the opportunity to get to know BNI London and start exploring opportunities for business financing cooperation.
"I used to have a dream to be able to open a business in Windsor, and now that hope is realized with the Diaspora Loan from the BNI London branch," she said. (*)
