Sixteen women members of the Damai Maju Women’s Economic Group Enterprise (KUEP) in Suka Damai Village and the Cahaya Sejahtera KUEP in Sungai Lilin Sub-district, Musi Banyuasin District, South Sumatra, participated in financial literacy and group management training on February 27-28, 2024. The training included practical exercises on financial record-keeping, savings book management, loans, deposits, and group financial reporting. Discussions also covered effective and transparent governance strategies, as well as inclusive membership management. Both the Damai Maju and Cahaya Sejahtera Women’s Economic Group Enterprises have joined the list of women’s business groups supported by CARE Indonesia (YCP) in 13 villages in Musi Banyuasin District under the Women’s Empowerment Program in Oil Palm Communities.
Mrs. Winarni’s Straw Mushroom Cultivation Business
Winarni, a member of the Simpati Kencana Women’s Economic Group Enterprise (KUEP) from Bumi Kencana Village, Musi Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, harvested her cultivated straw mushrooms in her backyard. This mushroom cultivation venture was funded by the Simpati Kencana Women’s Economic Group and carried out by Winarni along with two other group members. From March 7th to March 18th, 2024, they have yielded 96.2 kg of straw mushrooms, which were sold at a price of Rp. 25,000,- per kilogram.
The Annual Cycle Closure of KUEP Unggul Mulyo & Simpati Kencana
The Unggul Mulyo and Simpati Kencana Women’s Economic Group Enterprise (KUEP) in Musi Banyuasin District, South Sumatra, distributed their remaining savings and business profits to all group members on March 7th and 10th, 2024. The distribution took place during the annual cycle closure process of the group, accompanied by discussions and evaluations of the group’s performance and achievements. The distribution of remaining business profits and savings was well-received by each member, as it helps meet their family needs during the fasting month of Ramadan and welcomes Eid al-Fitr. Development of KUEP was part of YCP’s Women’s Empowerment Program in Oil Palm Communities.
Financial Literacy and Management: Strong Foundation for Women’s Economic Movements in Villages
The role of women in the Indonesian economy is increasingly prominent. This is evident from the growth of the Labor Force Participation Rate recorded by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), rising from 58.84% in 2022 to 60.18% in 2023. Additionally, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture noted an increase in the proportion of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises managed by women, rising from 60% in 2021 to 64% in 2022. Strengthening women’s roles in the economy is facilitated through the implementation of financial literacy training and the management of Women’s Economic Group Enterprises (Kelompok Usaha Ekonomi Perempuan / KUEP) in the villages of Suka Damai and Sungai Lilin, Musi Banyuasin District, South Sumatra (27-28/2). Since its establishment in early 2024, financial literacy training has been the first training conducted for the groups.
Sixteen female representatives from two business groups participated in the training. They directly practice the creation of financial records, savings books, loans, deposits, and generating financial reports for the business groups. Riatama, the Secretary of Damai Maju Women’s Economic Group in Suka Damai Village, emphasized that understanding financial management is crucial for the optimal operation of their business group. “I now have a better understanding of the potential of the Women’s Economic Group to enhance women’s economic independence in Suka Damai Village. We can support each other in accessing better financial resources and expanding business opportunities. This training provides essential knowledge for us, the management of the group, to further develop and grow our small businesses,” she said.
Not only participated on basic financial management, Riatama shared that all participants were engaged in discussions about effective and transparent governance strategies and inclusive membership management. “We learned about fundamental elements that crucial for the group management in building and developing the group,” she expressed.
Various forms of calculations in managing the group’s business to ensure transparency and financial accountability of the KUEP were also discussed during the session. This included calculating loan services, savings services, and profit distribution. On the second day of the training, participants were also encouraged to solve various case studies related to financial management.
Herawati, Board of the Cahaya Sejahtera Women’s Economic Group in Sungai Lilin Sub-district, shared that the training process has instilled confidence in all participants regarding their capacity to manage the group. “This training has been very beneficial for our Women’s Group. I now have a better understanding and confidence in managing the finances of our group – including savings and loan funds, as well as the craft business that we will be operating. I feel more prepared to fulfill my role as a member of the management team,” she stated.
The Damai Maju and Cahaya Sejahtera Women’s Economic Groups have joined the list of the KUEP supported by CARE Indonesia (YCP) in Musi Banyuasin District since 2022, bringing the total to 13 business groups. Through the Women’s Empowerment Program in Oil Palm Communities, YCP promotes gender equality and strengthens women’s roles in 13 villages in South Sumatra.
Rasyid Rasiki, Project Manager and Livelihood Technical Lead at YCP, explained that KUEP serve as a platform for women to gain better access to financial services and develop locally-based productive ventures. This enables rural women to become more economically self-sufficient and play an active role in local economic development. “By providing access to savings and loan facilities, KUEP serves as a gateway to enhancing the resilience of women in oil palm plantation communities. Financial literacy and management are essential to establishing a strong foundation for building women’s groups,” he said.
Rasyid further shared that in the initial stages of establishing KUEP, YCP provides guidance to ensure that members understand the creation of simple bookkeeping and group management. This guidance continues while developing types of group businesses. “One of the activities that KUEP will undertake is a simple savings and loan scheme, where members can save and borrow money at low interest rates,” he said.
After completing the training, participants will proceed to disseminate the training results to other KUEP members. “It is hoped that other KUEP members can also understand these important concepts and collectively improve the overall management quality of KUEP, thereby enhancing the economic well-being of families and rural communities,” Rasyid concluded.
Writer: Nurainy Darono, Editor: Swiny Adestika
A Travel Note: The Fruitful Outcomes of the Straw Mushroom Venture
Full excitement was felt on this 3rd day of Ramadhan 2024 (14/3) as my self and Winarni, member of the Women’s Economic Enterprise Group (KUEP) Simpati Kencana from Bumi Kencana Village were poised to embark on the harvest of straw mushrooms. KUEP Simpati Kencana stands as one of the 13 women’s business groups mentored by the Yayasan CARE Peduli (YCP) in the Women’s Resilience Building Program within the Oil Palm Community of Musi Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra.
The chill in the air on the East Sumatra highway at 06:30 AM didn’t dampen my spirits that morning as I headed to meet Winarni. The 43-year-old mother of two had been eagerly awaiting my arrival at the mushroom cultivation shed behind her house. Greetings were exchanged and we stepped into the warm environment of the mushroom shed, where the temperature was carefully maintained at around 30 degrees Celsius. This morning marked the schedule for harvesting straw mushrooms cultivated from empty oil palm fruit bunches which involved several stages to process.
Since entering the production phase, the straw mushrooms have been ready for harvesting. Between March 7th and March 18th, 2024, this cultivation yielded 96.2 kg, sold at a price of Rp. 25,000 per kg. For Winarni, who is relatively new to straw mushroom cultivation, this was a commendable result and serves as a valuable learning experience for both fellow KUEP members and myself, as the field officer.
The cultivation of straw mushrooms originated from our discussions and observations with the business group members. Considering the community’s preference for consuming oyster mushrooms, which naturally grow around oil palm plantations, and the opportunity to repurpose empty palm fruit bunches as waste, this mushroom cultivation initiative implements cultivation stages to maintain the mushroom’s taste.
“The scent of wild mushrooms growing in the garden is somewhat earthy due to natural decomposition and composting. It has a distinct taste compared to cultivated mushrooms,” Winarni remarked while picking the mushrooms.
Winarni shared the process of cultivating mushrooms in empty oil palm fruit bunches, which involves several steps. Initially, the bunches are soaked for six days, followed by a six-day fermentation period where they are stacked and sprinkled with rice bran and dolomite lime. Subsequently, the bunches are tightly covered with a tarp and watered every two days. Additionally, the fermented bunches need to be flipped to prevent ammonia growth. On the 12th day after soaking and fermentation, the bunches are arranged on racks inside the shed for pasteurization or steaming. Pasteurization lasts for 4 hours at a constant temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. This steaming process ensures that the cultivated mushrooms remain odour-free and grow with vibrant colours.
“Through cultivation, we no longer need to spend time searching for wild straw mushrooms in the plantation areas. We also don’t have to wait for the rainy season to enjoy their deliciousness,” she expressed.
The straw mushroom business started with capital loans provided by KUEP SIMPATI KENCANA to its members. Winarni formed a small group to collaborate with KUEP, agreeing on deadlines and interest rates. The loans must be repaid according to the terms outlined in the Straw Mushroom Cultivation Business Agreement. Currently, the straw mushroom cultivation business is carried out by three individuals: Winarni, Neni Lestari, and Putri Indah Lestari. In the fourth month after mushroom production, the capital loan will be utilized by Neni, followed by Putri. Subsequently, the funds will be returned to KUEP Simpati Kencana to be used by other members to develop existing business potentials and opportunities.
Not just local women, men in Bumi Kencana Village also participate in building the straw mushroom shed. The construction is done by themselves, taking turns after completing their primary jobs. This approach helps reduce the expenses for daily construction workers. Involving men is essential in all programs conducted by YCP. The aim for their involvement is to promote gender equality in household and serve as a role model for the surrounding community. This principle also encourages community participation in actively contributing to societal development efforts.
As the sun climbs higher, Winarni’s bucket is now filled with ready-to-process straw mushrooms. Tomorrow, Winarni will return and check on the results of her straw mushroom cultivation. I am optimistic that this straw mushroom cultivation will yield positive results. The hope is that in the future, not only KUEP members but also the surrounding community will experience not only positive but also sustainable benefits through collective efforts by, for, and of the community itself.
Writer: Nuraisyah Pohan
Editor: Swiny Adestika
Photo Source: Nuraisyah Pohan
Profit Sharing from Women’s Economic Groups Help Fulfil Family Needs During Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitri
Household needs are increased as Eid approaches. The distribution of profits from the Women’s Economic Enterprise Group (KUEP) serves as additional income for its members, especially in Sri Mulyo and Bumi Kencana Villages, Musi Banyuasin District (MUBA), South Sumatra. The profit sharing took place during the Annual Cycle Closing (PST) on March 7 and 10, 2023, which also served as an opportunity to comprehensively review the development, success, challenges, and future plans of the groups in the upcoming cycle.
KUEP in Sri Mulyo and Bumi Kencana Villages are part of the Women’s Empowerment Program in the Oil Palm Community conducted by the Yayasan CARE Peduli (YCP). In total, 13 villages in MUBA District have been supported by YCP since 2022.
Sulastri, the Chairwoman of KUEP Unggul Mulyo in Sri Mulyo Village, emphasized that the principle of accountability is fundamental in managing their business group. Through accountability reports, the KUEP management outlines the business process over one cycle or 12 months to group members. “During the Annual Cycle Closing (PST), the KUEP management will be held accountable for the entire management of KUEP, reporting business activities, profits and losses, as well as distributing business profits according to the rules of the group. We will also review KUEP policies, including evaluating the management’s performance,” she said.
KUEP Unggul Mulyo started its operation on March 2023, conducted two types of businesses: savings and loan activities, and the production of woven crafts from oil palm trees. Sulastri mentioned, over the course of 12 months, the savings and loan activities of KUEP Unggul Mulyo have expanded, with the number of members increasing to 40 individuals and managing member loan funds reaching Rp. 81,250,000. “Alhamdulillah, after 6 months, our group had sufficient capital to add new members. Although we are a women’s business group, male members are allowed to join as long as they meet the criteria and have agreed by all members,” she explained. Sulastri also conveyed that their woven crafts business from oil palm continues to thrive. It was agreed that 20% of the total sales revenue would go into KUEP’s treasury. As of February 2024, the sales revenue from woven crafts amounted to Rp. 4,181,000.
“Considering the progress of our savings and loan activities and the woven rattan business, during this Annual Cycle Closing (PST), we will distribute Rp. 924,400 to each group members as profit sharing. We will also distribute savings of group members according to the agreed KUEP regulations. This distribution will be used by the members for their family needs during Ramadan and Eid,” Sulastri continued.
Similar to that, KUEP Simpati Kencana in Bumi Kencana Village also operates savings and loan activities, as well as woven crafts businesses. Puji Wiyatim, the Chairwoman of KUEP Simpati Kencana, mentioned that their group also engages in another business, which is the cultivation of oyster mushrooms. As of February 2024, KUEP Simpati Kencana has 30 members and manages member loan funds amounting to Rp. 55,800,000. Meanwhile, revenue from the woven rattan business reached Rp. 2,050,000, and revenue from the oyster mushroom cultivation received an investment of Rp. 5,000,000. “All members are active, but some do not have savings and have not accessed loans. This is something we need to review. We are also optimistic about our woven crafts business, which we believe can further improve,” said Puji.
Puji further explained that their group’s oyster mushroom cultivation business has begun to yield harvests. “Alhamdulillah, we have started harvesting every day for the past 3 days. However, we cannot report this yet as it is still too early,” she said.
Puji stated that during the Annual Cycle Closing (PST), their business group will return all savings to KUEP members to fulfil family needs during Ramadan and Eid. “The group will repurchase group shares after Eid. So, the return of savings is calculated from the remaining instalment payments by members during PST. Approximately a total of Rp. 21,000,000 in savings will be distributed to group members,” Puji explained.
The Annual Cycle Closing (PST) at KUEP Unggul Mulyo and KUEP Simpati Kencana went smoothly. Sulastri and Puji mentioned several matters were also discussed, such as the implementation of new regulations regarding late payment fines, regulations for adding new members, savings price limits, service charges, calculation comparisons between savings and loans for members, as well as loan durations.
“The PST discussion went smoothly and covered important matters. We were delighted to have guests such as representatives from YCP, the Cooperative and SME Agency of MUBA District, the Sub-district Head of Tungkal Jaya, and other invitees in attendance. During the PST, we agreed on a shift in KUEP management. I hope our business group continues to thrive,” said Sulastri.
In line with Sulastri, Puji expressed that the members of their group felt greatly supported by the distribution of savings from the business group before Ramadan and Eid. “Our group members are profoundly thankful for the current distribution of savings and are experiencing first-hand the advantages of being part of our business group. Alhamdulillah, our business group is also recognized for its transparency in calculating and distributing savings to members,” she expressed.
Rasyid Rasiki, the Project Manager & Livelihood Technical Lead at YCP, emphasized that the implementation of the PST was highly transparent, allowing them to observe how KUEP operates and supports the economic well-being of its members and families. KUEP members also gained an understanding of participation, transparency, and accountability principles in managing the business group.
“Government representatives were present at the PST and provided positive feedback. The Cooperative Agency showed great enthusiasm in witnessing KUEP’s growth and adherence to cooperative principles. They expressed their commitment to support the elevation of KUEP’s status. Additionally, support from the village government was pledged to enhance KUEP’s business endeavours. We at YCP in MUBA District are optimistic that KUEP will continue to flourish,” he stated.
Rasyid further added that the PST will also be conducted in other villages where KUEP operates. The initiation of new cycles for each KUEP will commence after Eid al-Fitr.
Writer: Swiny Adestika, Photo Source: Nuraisyah Pohan
