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Manado — Chairman of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) of North Sulawesi, Nicho Lieke, paid a courtesy visit to the Tribun Manado office on Jalan AA Maramis, Kairagi, Mapanget District, Manado, North Sulawesi, on Tuesday (January 20, 2026) at 4:30 p.m. local time.

The President Commissioner of PT Jobubu Jarum Minahasa Tbk was welcomed by Tribun Manado Editor-in-Chief Jumadi Mappanganro, Business General Manager Risdianto Tunandi, Online Manager Handhika Dawangi, Economic Editor David Kusuma, Event and Advertising Manager Indriane Samuri, and other members of the Tribun Manado team.

During the visit, Nicho, together with Jumadi and Risdianto, discussed export opportunities for various commodities from North Sulawesi to international markets.

Nicho stated that Apindo North Sulawesi plans to establish a representative office in China.

“Later, MSMEs from North Sulawesi will be able to ship their products there. However, it cannot start until shipping routes are available,” Nicho said.

He was also invited to appear as a guest speaker on the Tribun Manado Podcast, where he is expected to share his professional experiences.

About Apindo

The Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) is the official representative of Indonesia’s business community. Established on January 31, 1952, APINDO operates under the National Executive Board (DPN) based in Jakarta, with Provincial Executive Boards (DPP) in all 34 provinces and more than 350 city and regency-level boards across Indonesia.

Initially focused on industrial relations and manpower issues, APINDO’s role has expanded significantly to support national interests through broader sectoral engagement, human resource development, and partnerships. These efforts are supported by APINDO’s business units, including the International Strategic Partnership Center (ISPC) and the APINDO Training Center (ATC).

At the international level, APINDO actively engages in advocacy through its membership and participation in the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), the ASEAN Confederation of Employers (ACE), and the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Employers (CAPE).

As the sole representative of the business community, APINDO holds seats in tripartite institutions involving government, employers, and workers. APINDO representatives serve on bodies such as the National Tripartite Cooperation Institution, the National Wage Council, and the Occupational Safety and Health Council.

For the 2023–2028 period, APINDO has identified four flagship action programs: the Economic Roadmap as a foundation for APINDO’s advocacy and competitiveness agenda; Inclusive Economy – MSME Empowerment; Inclusive Entrepreneurial Collaboration to Address Stunting (KIPAS), which involves 1,000 entrepreneurs in tackling stunting; and APINDO HR–IR Certification, aimed at developing competent human resources in human capital management and industrial relations.

About PT Jobubu Jarum Minahasa

PT Jobubu Jarum Minahasa is a company engaged in the production of alcoholic beverages, including Cap Tikus and Soju.

In producing Cap Tikus, the company collaborates with approximately 30,000 palm sugar farmers in North Sulawesi and receives support from the North Sulawesi Provincial Government. Its Cap Tikus product is the only one in the region that holds an official production license.

To ensure the highest quality in its soju products, the company works with a Korean Soju Grand Master as an advisor.

Producing a Legendary Product

Through collaboration with farmers, the company standardized the production of Cap Tikus, a beverage long regarded as a legendary product in Indonesia.

In 2018, the company officially launched the product under the brand name “Cap Tikus 1978.”

“Cap Tikus 1978” is a registered trademark owned by PT Jobubu Jarum Minahasa.

Source: manado.tribunnews.com