Discover Indonesia
By: Alisjahbana Haliman – Founder of Talasi
When we talk about exploring the planet and discovering the origin we meant we will go a great distance to find and develop premium products for our discerning consumers. Talasi started out with an idea of believing the product is better off if we can produce them at the origin. Not only the product will retain its wholesome quality, but the impact on the people and planet will be greatly felt. Now three years later, as of today we have been able to capture 17 origins with 29 items of products for the Watu and Toye brands. And this is only a beginning.
Some of you may have noticed our facilities at Batukaru, Bali and Weetabula, Sumba. These two locations are ready to welcome you to visit and experience our farm to table concept. However, as the COVID 19 pandemic is still lingering on, we need to be patient and use the opportunity to prepare for the better. At these locations, we are proud to be able to recruit locals. It is such a satisfying feeling to see many of them dressed in white lab coats and performing some kind of laboratory testing. Imagine a laboratory in the wilds. This is the Talasi impact we start to see the results of our pursuit.
Our Batukaru facility is now equipped with roasters and they are being used to roast our coffee and cocoa beans. We have been developing a whole chain from planting to harvesting. Our supply chain team is working with the farmers in providing ways to better take care of the trees to produce better cocoa pods. Meanwhile, over at our Weetebula facility, it is up and running, sorting cashew nuts, de-husking and drying them. We have put together a low cost financing program of 3 percent per annum for our cashew farmers.
As the country is experiencing a profound impact from the COVID 19 pandemic, the big question is, how can we return to growth? The Java Island is overpopulated, and the nation’s population has grown steadfastly over the years. Therefore we need to be vigilant about our food source. Where the food is going to come from, where they are to be grown, processed or produced ? Some of the places that Talasi calls home to set up facilities are unprivileged with enormously high unemployment rates due to a high illiteracy rate and lack of skills training. Our idea of setting up facilities at the origin not only secures the supply chain, but it also creates employment at the level that is much needed. We see a future where these places will not sell out their pristine beaches and fresh air for supporting their livelihoods.
We believe at times like this, our idea of #DiscoverTheOrigin is more relevant than ever.
Let’s explore Indonesia as a wholesome country that is blessed with its abundance of natural resources, cultures, beauty and people. Talasi is spearheading this idea and evidence by our relentless effort in making our business sustainable for all stakeholders.
In the spirit of the Independence month, I would like to welcome all of you to join us in our exploration to discover more origins and bring more happiness to our consumers in Indonesia and beyond.
Happy Independence Day Motherland! We are celebrating you by making another step forward, discovering one origin at a time.