The Kupang Customs Office in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) is actively assisting SMEs in exporting their products directly, bypassing trading intermediaries. Nanang Sekti, the Head of Internal Compliance and Outreach Section (KIP) at the Kupang Customs Office, highlights their role as trade facilitators, particularly for domestic businesses, aiming to enable SMEs to engage in direct exports from Kupang. Despite SMEs typically marketing products through brokers, Nanang emphasizes the benefits of direct exports, which could lead to higher prices, thereby enhancing profits for SMEs and stimulating production. By encouraging direct exports, Bea Cukai Kupang aims to facilitate transactions between SMEs and buyers, promoting economic growth in the region. In supporting business efforts towards export, Bea Cukai Kupang provides comprehensive assistance, including guidance on export-import regulations and procedures. This involves offering information on licensing, procedures, and export activities to entrepreneurs, empowering them with the necessary knowledge to navigate the export process effectively.
Furthermore, Bea Cukai Kupang actively participates in marketing local products abroad by promoting them through Customs representatives stationed overseas. This initiative aims to enhance the visibility of Indonesian products in international markets, opening up opportunities for SMEs to expand their customer base and increase exports. Overall, the efforts of Bea Cukai Kupang signify a commitment to fostering a conducive environment for SMEs to thrive in the global market. Through their support and guidance, SMEs in NTT can seize opportunities for direct export, contributing to economic development and prosperity in the region.