Basic Food Lapak Becomes Supporting Family, The Presence Of IWIP Opens New Hope

JAKARTA - Three years ago, Johani (37), a housewife in Central Halmahera, North Maluku, started a business by opening a basic food stall near the gate of the industrial area of PT Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park (IWIP). He did not expect that this business would now support the needs of his family as well as a source of education costs for his children.

"Alhamdulillah, with the presence of IWIP, we can trade here. If there is none, maybe we are confused about where to sell," said Johani gratefully, quoted Monday, September 15.

With the initial capital, he started by buying merchandise little by little. Over time, merchandise which initially contained only a few types of vegetables and basic necessities is now increasingly diverse, while its customers were getting more and more crowded, mostly IWIP employees and the surrounding community shopping for daily necessities.

Johani's story reflects how the presence of IWIP opens up new business opportunities for local communities. Since 2020, IWIP has provided a special area called Lapak Gate 2, one of the company's gateways. This facility is intended for traders to develop businesses while at the same time meeting the daily needs of workers in industrial areas and the surrounding community.

In addition to moving the wheels of the local economy, this business also provides opportunities for women in the family economy. According to Johani, now more and more housewives dare to open businesses, especially here, around industrial areas.

"I see that women are more active in selling. Many families are helped by this area and the business is starting," he said.

For local residents, IWIP not only presents jobs in the office area, but also opens the way for the growth of new entrepreneurs. The presence of these stalls is clear evidence that industrial development can go hand in hand with community empowerment.

Johani himself hopes that the company's support for traders will continue, one of which is business facilities, which are increased for the convenience of trading. If possible, the place of business will be made even better, even though now it is quite comfortable," he said.

For IWIP, support for the community around the industrial area is part of a long-term commitment to grow together. With more and more entrepreneurial residents, the presence of IWIP is a growth motorbike that brings benefits such as strengthening the national industry while improving the welfare of the community in the regional circle.

IWIP is committed to providing wider economic benefits, not only through investment and downstream nickel, but also through inclusive economic opportunities, along with the daily lives of the people of Central Halmahera, North Maluku.