Armed With BRI Capital Loans And Assistance, This Tough Woman Establishes A Group Of Farmers At The Foot Of Mount Ciremai

KUNINGAN - From a small village at the foot of Mount Ciremai, there is a story that relies on a tireless struggle. Hayanah, her name is able to carve inspiring and proud stories, not only for herself, but also for those around her.

The 59-year-old woman was able to rise from adversity. She is not a wealthy businessman, nor is she a big character, but her determination to change the lives of many other women.

Hayanah and her husband had experienced an difficult economic upheaval. At that time, the 1998 economic crisis, which still lives in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, was affected. As a result, he and his family returned to their hometowns in Kuningan, West Java when these uncertain conditions occurred. There, Hayanah found a glimmer of hope and hope to help her family.

The answer was realized in 2000 or after two years of finance his family was shaken. Sweet potatoes became a commodity that changed the lives of himself and those around him. Nine years later, armed with determination and a sense of wanting to empower women around him, Hayanah also founded the Sri Mandiri Women Farmers Group (KWT) in Sembawa Village, Jalaksana District, Kuningan, West Java, in 2009 with other housewives.

The group then became a small movement that empowered village women through agricultural-based businesses. In 2006, Hayanah became active in the PNPM program and formed a District Development Business Group (UPK). This is where the forerunner of KWT Sri Mandiri was formed in January 2009, with the support of the local Agriculture Service.

Initially there were only 20 members. They gathered, studied together, and tried various ways to process sweet potatoes. Many experiments failed, but their enthusiasm never subsided. With a joint venture of IDR 5,000 per month and a principal deposit of IDR 20,000, they started producing sweet potato-based food.

"I always emphasize to my friends, this is not just an effort, but also the way we demand knowledge and help our family," Hayanah said, quoted Monday, May 12.

Over time, more and more women joined and now the number of members has reached more than 100 people, and the production of KWT Sri Mandiri is growing rapidly.

In early years, Hayanah had to struggle hard to market products. Initially, they sold directly to customers, relying on small orders. However, turning points occur when they start to form partnerships with modern retailers.

Now, processed sweet potatoes products from KWT Sri Mandiri are available at more than 1,400 minimarket outlets in the Cirebon to Brebes areas. In addition, they also supply products to souvenir shops and permanent customers.

Domestic success also prompted KWT Sri Mandiri to penetrate the international market. Although not yet on a large scale, their products have started to be sent to Malaysia and Korea. When the pandemic hit, shipments to Bali stopped. Finally, they focused more on strengthening marketing in the Jabodetabek and Cirebon areas.

In addition to providing economic impact, KWT Sri Mandiri also brought social changes. Women who used to only take care of their homes now have income and financial independence. They not only help the family's economy, but also prove that women can contribute to village development.

"We are not only looking for money, but also knowledge and togetherness. We want to show that women have the power to survive and develop," said Hayanah.

In 2010, Hayana received an initial loan of People's Business Credit (KUR) from BRI because it had no capital and no other source of funding. After obtaining capital assistance from BRI, they were able to develop their business to a larger scale.

KUR dari BRI juga digunakan untuk peningkatan kapasitas produksi, termasuk pembelian mesin, pembangunan fasilitas, dan pembelian tanah untuk perluasan rumah produksi.

In addition to loans, KWT Sri Mandiri also received business equipment assistance from BRI Peduli in 2022 which was used for processing flour with a capacity of 40 kilograms.

"This assistance is very helpful in increasing production, although the engine capacity is still limited, even though it has not been able to meet all demand, I am still grateful that I can produce it myself," said Hayanah.

Hayana advised all women to dare to step into the business world. For him, fear and a sense of inferiority should not be a barrier. He believes that thinking positively and having a strong determination will bring women to success, because sustenance will come to those who try.

"If our intention to work is worship and for the welfare of the family, God willing, the road will be wide open," he said.

On a separate occasion, BRI Corporate Secretary Agustya Hendy Bernadi added that BRI is committed to continuing to assist and assist MSME actors through the 'My Cluster of Life' program, which is not only in the form of channeling business capital loans, but also in the form of business training and other empowerment programs.

"We believe, with this holistic approach, Indonesian MSMEs can advance to class and become an important pillar in encouraging inclusive and sustainable economic growth," concluded Hendy. (ADV)