· News, CSR and the Environment
PTBA Supports Nature-Based MSME Development through Madu Galo-Galo Cupiang
Sawahlunto, August 1, 2025 — In the spirit of local economic empowerment and environmental conservation, the success story of Madu Galo-Galo Cupiang stands as solid proof that nature-based micro-enterprises can break into national and even international markets. Originating from a village in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, Hery Setiawan founded a stingless bee (Trigona sp.) farming business in 2016. Thanks to his perseverance and support from PT Bukit Asam Tbk through the Rumah BUMN Sawahlunto program, Madu Galo-Galo Cupiang is not preparing to enter global markets.
This business was born out of Hery’s concern for local potential and his passion for natural products. The name "Cupiang," derived from the local term for sun bear, symbolizes the strength of nature, perseverance, and conservation spirit. The cultivation of kelulut bees, or galo-galo, yields premium products as honey, propolis, and bee pollen— all processed naturally, hygienically, and in an environmentally friendly manner. Honey from stingless bees is known for its high phenolic and antioxidant content and has a distinct sweet-sour taste due to its storage in propolis sacs rich in health benefits.
The year 2020 marked a turning point for Hery's business. He became a partner in the Rumah BUMN Sawahlunto program with support from PT Bukit Asam Tbk. "Becoming a partner was a huge step for us. From the beginning, we were supported with capital, business management training, product packaging, and marketing assistance. We were even given the opportunity to participate in various exhibitions, both domestically and abroad. It was an extraordinary experience that broadened our horizons and expanded our market," said Hery.
The impact has been significant. Madu Galo-Galo Cupiang products are now sold across Indonesia, from Bali to Kalimantan, and have even reached export markets like Malaysia. Though export volumes remain modest, international demand continues to grow, further motivating Hery and his team. "We dream of going global, in line with our slogan: 4G – Galo-Galo Go Global," he added enthusiastically.
Beyond raw honey, Hery and his team have continued to innovate by creating value-added derivative products such as propolis soap and shampoo, herbal balm, face masks, propolis coffee, and sachet honey including premium honey. Nutrient-rich bee pollen is also processed into soaps and facial masks. These innovations open up wider market opportunities, particularly among health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.
In a single harvest period of 1.5 months, Madu Galo-Galo Cupiang can generate a turnover of up to IDR 56 million. This figure proves that small nature-based businesses can thrive when managed seriously and supported by the right entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What makes the Cupiang story especially inspiring is its commitment to sustainability. Hery has turned stingless bees not only into an economic resource but also a tool for ecosystem preservation and community education on the importance of protecting nature. Through this enterprise, he also contributes to strengthening the local economy through non-timber forest products while preserving local wisdom.
PT Bukit Asam Tbk, through Rumah BUMN Sawahlunto, sees this potential as part of its ongoing effort to support local MSMEs to grow, become self-reliant, and globally competitive. Support is provided not only through facilities and training but also by opening up promotional and marketing networks across regions and countries.
The story of Madu Galo-Galo Cupiang proves that from a small historic city like Sawahlunto, high-quality local products can grow and reach the world.
This business was born out of Hery’s concern for local potential and his passion for natural products. The name "Cupiang," derived from the local term for sun bear, symbolizes the strength of nature, perseverance, and conservation spirit. The cultivation of kelulut bees, or galo-galo, yields premium products as honey, propolis, and bee pollen— all processed naturally, hygienically, and in an environmentally friendly manner. Honey from stingless bees is known for its high phenolic and antioxidant content and has a distinct sweet-sour taste due to its storage in propolis sacs rich in health benefits.
The year 2020 marked a turning point for Hery's business. He became a partner in the Rumah BUMN Sawahlunto program with support from PT Bukit Asam Tbk. "Becoming a partner was a huge step for us. From the beginning, we were supported with capital, business management training, product packaging, and marketing assistance. We were even given the opportunity to participate in various exhibitions, both domestically and abroad. It was an extraordinary experience that broadened our horizons and expanded our market," said Hery.
The impact has been significant. Madu Galo-Galo Cupiang products are now sold across Indonesia, from Bali to Kalimantan, and have even reached export markets like Malaysia. Though export volumes remain modest, international demand continues to grow, further motivating Hery and his team. "We dream of going global, in line with our slogan: 4G – Galo-Galo Go Global," he added enthusiastically.
Beyond raw honey, Hery and his team have continued to innovate by creating value-added derivative products such as propolis soap and shampoo, herbal balm, face masks, propolis coffee, and sachet honey including premium honey. Nutrient-rich bee pollen is also processed into soaps and facial masks. These innovations open up wider market opportunities, particularly among health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.
In a single harvest period of 1.5 months, Madu Galo-Galo Cupiang can generate a turnover of up to IDR 56 million. This figure proves that small nature-based businesses can thrive when managed seriously and supported by the right entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What makes the Cupiang story especially inspiring is its commitment to sustainability. Hery has turned stingless bees not only into an economic resource but also a tool for ecosystem preservation and community education on the importance of protecting nature. Through this enterprise, he also contributes to strengthening the local economy through non-timber forest products while preserving local wisdom.
PT Bukit Asam Tbk, through Rumah BUMN Sawahlunto, sees this potential as part of its ongoing effort to support local MSMEs to grow, become self-reliant, and globally competitive. Support is provided not only through facilities and training but also by opening up promotional and marketing networks across regions and countries.
The story of Madu Galo-Galo Cupiang proves that from a small historic city like Sawahlunto, high-quality local products can grow and reach the world.
