There are many ways for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to progress. One such example is the product of MSME efforts in Sangatta, East Kalimantan. What was once only sold in the local market has now expanded to digital marketplaces, social media, and even explored export possibilities. The business owners have been greatly assisted, receiving guidance and training, including licensing. The business has made significant strides in recent years. According to business owners, their product marketing has expanded to social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and various online marketplaces.  Moreover, the special innovation of the Sangatta MSMEs, the sambal lele (catfish sambal) product, has even explored the export market to South Korea through business partners involved in processed products there. This sambal lele product is unique and not found in other regions of Indonesia. It was also explained that the sambal lele product was initially a challenge presented by LPB Pama Banua Etam. It involved adding value to catfish farming from LPB Pama Banua Etam's partner that was not absorbed by the market. Pawon Q, through its derivative products such as sambal lele, catfish chips, and catfish floss, managed to create added value. It turns out that this innovative product was well-received by the market.

The Coordinator of the Dharma Bhakti Astra Foundation (YDBA) in Sangatta, explained that they established a value chain between sectors. For instance, the focus on catfish farming is now connected with the home industry sector. The unsold produce from farming, such as oversized catfish or those with uneven weights, could be transformed into value-added products like sambal, chips, and floss. The process involves the supply of catfish from the fisheries MSMEs to the home industry MSMEs at Pawon Q. The Chief Executive of YDBA stated that YDBA is committed to continuously nurturing and strengthening MSMEs, enabling them to become self-reliant and even go global. YDBA's efforts to improve the community's welfare involve mentoring local MSMEs in various regions across Indonesia. From 1980 until now, YDBA has mentored approximately 12,000 MSMEs. Most of them have achieved self-reliance. Currently, there are around 2,100 active MSMEs still being mentored by YDBA.

Source: https://www.idxchannel.com/inspirator/produk-sambal-lele-jajaki-ekspor-ke-korea-selatan