Discover the Success Story of Sumenep UMKM in Growing the Red Sugar Business to Grow Thanks to BRI KUR

SUMENEP - Thin smoke billows from a simple production kitchen in Pragaan Laok Village, Sumenep Regency. In the midst of the sweet aroma of typical red sugar, Rosidah (50), skillfully stirs the dough on a large stove. He has dedicated most of his life to preserving this traditional cuisine.

For Rosidah, brown sugar is not just a trading commodity, but part of her life's journey. Since 2006, he has developed a typical Madura brown sugar business by utilizing the sap from the siwalan or lontar trees that grow abundantly in Sumenep.

Two decades ago, this journey certainly did not go smoothly as it is now. At the beginning of pioneering the business, Rosidah had to deal with various limitations, ranging from very traditional production tools to capital that often stagnated. However, the determination of the Sumenep people never wavered in order to support their beloved family.

"Alhamdulillah, as time goes on, the quality of my homemade brown sugar has begun to be noticed by consumers. The demand is starting to come in," he said. Slowly but surely, his customer network has also begun to expand to various regions.

However, Rosidah's big leap in business scale actually occurred in 2016. At that time, he realized that the soaring market demand could not be met without a significant injection of working capital. At this crucial point, Rosidah decided to apply for a People's Business Loan (KUR) at the BRI Pragaan Unit.

"I have been a BRI customer for a long time, but it was only in 2016 that I dared to apply for a KUR loan. The process is fast and the team from BRI is very responsive. I chose this KUR because in addition to the low interest rate, there is also no collateral. So it's suitable for small businesses like me," said Rosidah.

This initial step proved to be a very appropriate stimulus for his business activity. Fresh funds from the bank were immediately allocated specifically to strengthen the availability of raw materials in his kitchen.

The first three years after becoming a BRI KUR customer went very well in line with the increasing speed of his business. After his first loan was paid off with a clean commitment record, Rosidah again entrusted the development of his business to BRI. He applied for a second loan with a nominal increase to Rp. 50 million.

The financial support from BRI does not stop there. Seeing the track record of his business that continues to grow positively, in 2024, Rosidah again gained trust, where BRI provided KUR funding with a larger value.

For Rosidah, the KUR working capital disbursement from BRI brought real benefits that directly changed the map of her business. "BRI KUR is very useful for us. Especially for the provision of raw materials, production equipment so that it can meet demand," he said.

The impact of this capital adequacy makes Rosidah's business line experience rapid growth. This tough woman even proudly stated that after receiving capital intervention from BRI KUR, her business is now growing. The daily production scale has increased sharply to meet the demand of a market that is never quiet.

The production of brown sugar also continues to increase. If before receiving KUR support from BRI, the average was around 200 kilograms per day, now the production has increased to around 500 kilograms per day.

"Alhamdulillah we can also help the surrounding residents. In addition to receiving raw materials from them, we also help absorb labor. If I started this business, I did it myself, now I have 6 workers," he said.

Now, the fruit of his perseverance for 20 years has taken root. Rosidah managed to lock the hearts of many regular customers in various areas in Madura. The market he reached was no longer limited to the surrounding village, but had spread across the district boundaries, reaching Pamekasan, Sampang, to Bangkalan.

The marketing system is now running more modern and practical thanks to the trust that has been built for a long time. Shop owners from Pamekasan to Sampang just have to contact him by phone to make an order. Once the order is in, Rosidah immediately prepares the logistics of delivery to supply these shops regularly.

In line with the increase in business volume, Rosidah's brown sugar sales revenue has also continued to skyrocket over time. This multiple income not only makes his business healthier financially, but also becomes a driving engine for the welfare of his family. The success of this village business is even able to deliver his two children to open businesses in Surabaya.

For Rosidah, the partnership with BRI is not only a relationship between debtors and creditors, but has developed into a close relationship like a family. This closeness is forged through regular visits by BRI officers to his home and production kitchen. The presence of officers is not felt as a form of supervision, but a sincere accompaniment and gives encouragement in running a business.

Through the visit, BRI officers can see firsthand the development of the business as well as provide guidance and training to support Rosidah's business growth. The communication that is established is also very open, so that every need for consultation can immediately obtain a solution.

In addition, Rosidah also felt the benefits of BRI's service flexibility which allows for the addition of business capital in the middle of the loan period, so that the operational needs of his business can still be met well.

On a separate occasion, Micro BRI Director Akhmad Purwakajaya revealed that as a bank that focuses on empowering MSMEs, BRI has consistently expanded financing access for business actors in various regions to encourage productivity, create jobs, and strengthen the real sector which is the foundation of the national economy.

This commitment is reflected in the realization of BRI KUR until June 2026 which is recorded at Rp. 103.81 trillion or equivalent to 54.63% of the BRI KUR quota this year of Rp. 190 trillion. The majority of the distribution is directed to productive sectors that have a direct impact on people's economic activities, with a share of 75.02% of the total KUR that has been disbursed.

"The story of Rosidah raising the Red Sugar business in Sumenep is an inspiring story of an MSME player who uses KUR as a business capital access and continues to grow through BRI empowerment. Hopefully this story will be an inspiring story that can be replicated by other MSME players in various regions in Indonesia," said Akhmad. (ADV)