EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SEOUL – Community products developed by the Community Empowerment Council (MPM) of Muhammadiyah, featuring cassava and sweet potato-based innovations from Muhammadiyah Farmers Community (JATAM), were showcased at the Korea Import Expo 2026.
Chairperson of the council, M. Nurul Yamin, expressed his appreciation for the achievements of the assisted community group, particularly Rumah Mocaf Indonesia and JATAM Kuningan, in bringing local agricultural products to the international market.
Building an Export-Oriented Community Economy
Yamin explained that MPM Muhammadiyah is currently mapping its community empowerment groups into three economic clusters: micro enterprises, regional and national-scale businesses, and export-oriented enterprises.
He hopes this ecosystem will enable businesses to grow progressively from super-micro enterprises into regional and national players before ultimately reaching international export markets.
“We hope this becomes a complete ecosystem in which businesses can gradually move up—from the super-micro level to regional and national markets, and eventually into the export sector,” Yamin said on Friday (26/6) in Yogyakarta.
Indonesian Local Goods at Korea Import Expo
Meanwhile, MPM Secretary Budi Nugroho explained that JATAM and Rumah Mocaf Indonesia participated in the Korea Import Expo, held from June 23–25, 2026.
The annual exhibition, organized by the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA), serves as a major business-matching platform connecting producers from around the world with Korean importers and international buyers.
This year’s expo featured participants from around 100 countries, providing opportunities for businesses seeking to enter both the South Korean and global markets.
Indonesia participated through the Indonesia Pavilion, supported by Bank Indonesia, the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in South Korea.
Among the featured products attracting visitors’ attention were innovative cassava- and sweet potato-based food products developed by Rumah Mocaf Indonesia in collaboration with the Muhammadiyah Farmers Community (JATAM).
The showcased products included Modified Cassava Flour (MOCAF), white, yellow, and purple sweet potato flour, as well as value-added products such as premixed flour, gluten-free cookies, and various healthy foods made from locally grown root crops.
These products are the result of agricultural downstream processing initiatives developed through MPM Muhammadiyah’s farmer empowerment program in collaboration with JATAM Kuningan, Lazismu, Muhammadiyah University of Kuningan, and Rumah Mocaf Indonesia.
For Muhammadiyah, participation in the international exhibition represents more than simply promoting products to overseas buyers. It demonstrates that Indonesia’s local food commodities possess significant added value when supported by technological innovation, institutional strengthening, and sustainable business models.
“Underestimated local food commodities can generate substantial added value through technological innovation, stronger farmer institutions, and sustainable business practices,” Budi stated.
Empowering Farmers Through Global Market Access
Founder of Rumah Mocaf Indonesia, Riza Azyumarridha Azra, described the exhibition as an important milestone for Indonesian farmers to demonstrate their ability to produce export-quality products.
“Korea Import Expo 2026 proves that agricultural products cultivated by the Muhammadiyah Farmers Community are capable of competing in global markets. Behind every product on display lies greater added value for local commodities, improved farmer welfare, and opportunities for farmers to learn international quality standards,” Riza said.
According to him, direct interaction with buyers from various countries provided farmers with valuable insights into the importance of maintaining consistent product quality, meeting international standards, ensuring sustainable supply, and continuously innovating in the healthy food sector.
He further emphasized that true community empowerment should go beyond increasing agricultural production. Farmers should also gain access to processing industries, technology, trade networks, and international markets so that the resulting economic value can directly benefit rural communities.
“This is a tangible example of socially just sociopreneurship as envisioned by KH Ahmad Dahlan. Agriculture is not merely about producing harvests; it is about building an economic system that uplifts farmers through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to community welfare,” Riza concluded.
The participation is expected to open broader export opportunities for Indonesia’s locally produced foods while strengthening the country’s position as a competitive global producer of healthy cassava- and sweet potato-based products.
