Central Java’s entrepreneurial spirit is strong, and many local businesses are now looking at opportunities beyond Indonesia’s borders.
On 20 July 2025, more than 100 aspiring cross-border entrepreneurs gathered at Aston Inn Hotel Cilacap for the Grand Launch of the Komship X Ninja Xpress collaboration.
The event introduced SMEs to practical steps for selling overseas, especially to nearby markets like Malaysia and Singapore. Through sessions led by experienced exporters, digital marketing experts, and logistics specialists, participants learned strategies ranging from building an overseas audience and tapping into diaspora markets to navigating cross-border delivery with ease.
If you couldn’t be there, here are the key insights from the speakers.
A Call to Think Beyond Borders – Nofi Bayu Darmawan (CEO, Kommerce)
Kicking off the event, Nofi Bayu Darmawan, welcomed the attendees and thanked the community for supporting the launch. He emphasized that Indonesian SMEs already have products in demand abroad—especially in neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore.
With Ninja Xpress’s cross-border delivery service seamlessly integrated into Komship’s platform, businesses can now easily access international markets.
Takeaway: You don’t need to wait for the “perfect time” to explore exports. With the right support, you can start small and grow steadily.
Reaching Overseas Buyers with TikTok – Yosef Abas (Founder, Sekolah Pebisnis)
The way SMEs connect with buyers is changing. Yosef Abas explained that instead of expensive trade shows and agents abroad, SMEs can now reach potential customers overseas directly from Indonesia through TikTok and other digital channels.
Two key approaches:
- Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) for retail products like snacks, skincare, and fashion
- Distributor Acquisition by targeting importers or resellers abroad
His advice: start small, use targeted ads to diaspora communities in Malaysia or Singapore, and create simple landing pages as “digital brochures” for potential distributors.
Takeaway: TikTok gives SMEs a low-cost, high-impact way to reach overseas customers or partners, without needing to set foot abroad.
Starting Small with Niche Markets – Danang Prayogi (Co-Founder, Bharata Herbal)
Danang Prayogi shared his own journey selling herbal products overseas—a USD 150 billion global market. His path to export started with Indonesian workers abroad (TKI) in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia, who already knew and trusted Indonesian herbal remedies.
By combining affordable ads (Meta, Google) with community networks, he built a loyal overseas customer base before expanding further.
Takeaway: Begin with markets and audiences you understand well. TKI communities are a great first step before moving into wider regional markets.
Making Cross-Border Simple – Sofian Latief (VP National Sales, Ninja Xpress)
During the event, our VP of National Sales, Sofian Latief, shared how we’re making cross-border shipping easier than ever for SMEs.
Through the Komship X Ninja Xpress International Shipping Service, we help businesses in Cilacap—and across Indonesia—ship directly to buyers in Malaysia and Singapore without needing warehouses abroad.
Our e-Guide shows strong demand for these products in Southeast Asia:
- Fashion & Accessories – 68%
- Food & Beverage – 47%
- Health & Beauty – 46%
Buyers are drawn to unique products (39%) and quality craftsmanship (34%)—strengths many SMEs already have.
With our Direct-to-Customer model, you can focus on selling while we handle:
- Collection or drop-off
- Sorting and export customs clearance
- Cross-border shipping
- Import customs clearance
- Last-mile delivery to the buyer
Your Next Step as an SME Exporter
Our launch in Cilacap, aimed at rural entrepreneurs, proved one thing: going global is no longer just for big brands. With the right strategy, tools, and partners, Indonesian SMEs can start selling to international customers now.
Whether you sell fashion, beauty, food, or herbal products, Ninja Xpress is here to help.
Have questions or curious about how it works? Just reach out to us here, we’re happy to chat. For partnerships or inquiries, contact reg-xb-enquiry@ninjavan.co.
