COVID-19 Almost Rolls Out, Salatiga Chocolate MSMEs Return To Glory Thanks To Ganjar

Ganjar Pranowo (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

JAKARTA - There is an interesting story from Emma Wilyama, a chocolate maker from Jalan Kunti RT 3 RW 6 Sidomukti District, Salatiga. The business he started in 2010 almost went out of business due to the pandemic. But it changed completely thanks to Ganjar.

Initially, Emma tried to open a chocolate-making business, which had been developed for generations in her family. More and more, his chocolate business was running successfully.

However, unexpectedly in 2019 COVID-19 hit, and caused his business to be sluggish, and even almost went out of business. Three of the five employees were forced to be laid off.

"Initially because my family did have a chocolate-making business, and I finally opened my own since 2010," said Emma, Saturday (26/2/2022).

In production, Emma tries to continue to innovate, especially creating various flavors and shapes. In addition to a number of souvenir stalls, the product @kirayda_coklat is also sold online.

"Actually, this business has grown, but sales have decreased due to the pandemic. Up to three of our employees are off," he said.

However, in the midst of this difficult situation, Emma is still producing small amounts. Until the chocolate products are promoted through Ganjar, an online promotion event initiated by the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo.

"After joining Ganjar, the sales went up, the demand went up," he said.

The increase in demand made Emma re-recruit two of her employees, who had been laid off, to return to work.

"Three people off. The two we are recruiting again, and one has opened his own business, "he said.

According to him, Ganjar is a promotional space for MSMEs, and an opportunity to develop. Emma expressed her gratitude to Ganjar, because in the midst of his busy schedule as governor, he still wants to take care of small MSMEs.

Ganjar provides opportunities for SMEs to promote their products through Ganjar Pranowo's Instagram Story. The selected story will be re-shared by the @ganjar_pranowo account.

This has been going on since July 2020. In total, more than 3 thousand MSMEs have participated in various fields. Starting from egg breeders, screen printing services, honey products, and much more.