Story of Ula Leather, Semen Gresik-Assisted MSME from Rembang Receiving Appreciation from BUMN Minister Erick Tohir
Rembang, June 9, 2023 – When developing handcrafted products from natural materials, Ula Leather is one of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that just steal the spotlight. The MSME, which hails from a coastal area in the Rembang regency, has changed the way people perceive reptilian skin waste through its creation of handcrafted products with competitive values.
With its MSME empowerment program, Rumah BUMN (RB) Rembang of PT Semen Gresik has successfully started the wheel of the economy of the region. This included the success of Ula Leather in flourishing and being able to take part in international fairs.
Recently, the MSME, whose featured products are handcrafts made of reptile skins, had the opportunity to participate in an international fair. Ula Leather, among hundreds of RB Rembang-assisted MSMEs, successfully passed the curation process on participating in SME’s HUB 2023, the ASEAN Summit 2023’s side event at Marina Waterfront Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province, May 9–13, 2023.
“It is an honor for us that an MSME product from Rembang has been chosen to be featured in an event for the ASEAN Summit 2023 in Labuan Bajo, NTT,” said Ulaningsih, the owner of Ula Leather.
During the fair, Ula Leather’s booth was visited by BUMN Minister, Erick Thohir, who took time to look around and see various handicrafts made of reptile skins. “He kindly encouraged us to be even more creative and hoped for our success in the trade,” Ulaningsih added.
The MSME, which Ulaningsih started back in 2015, uses reptile skins considered waste for the production of the crafts. By collaborating with local reptile breeders and conservation agencies, Ulaningsih can ascertain that the reptile skins used in her MSME are obtained legally and sustainably.
Featured products by Ula Leather are bags, clutch bags, wallets, and various accessories. They are all created using modern design techniques, from the skins of different reptiles, such as crocodiles, snakes, and lizards.
“The products are created by skilled craftsmen who have deep knowledge of the leather production processes, and therefore the final products are of high quality and have interesting designs,” Ulaningsih said.
The Senior Manager of Communication & CSR of PT Semen Gresik, Dharma Sunyata, stated that RB Rembang had become a place for MSMEs, particularly those originating from Rembang and Blora regions, to grow and develop their businesses.
As a demonstration of support in empowering and developing the MSMEs in the regions, PT Semen Gresik through RB Rembang is consistently committed to elevating the values of marketable products and transforming businesses more sustainably.
