Limited access to formal financial services and low levels of financial literacy remain key challenges for coffee farmers, particularly women, in meeting household economic needs. Efforts to strengthen economic empowerment and promote gender equality are being implemented through a collaborative program between CARE Indonesia and SUCAFINA, with support from JDE Peet’s and RVO NL. The program focuses on women coffee farmers, especially in West Java and Central Java.

A total of 20 coffee farmers in Mandalawangi Village and 15 coffee farmers in Kemiri Village, along with 100 additional participants, took part in socialization sessions and agreed to establish Community Productive Business Groups (KUPM). These include KUPM Mandalawangi in Mandalawangi Village and KUPM Makmur Lestari in Kemiri Village, with support from the village governments. In addition to forming the groups, the statutes, bylaws, and organizational structures have been agreed upon by all members.

Through these groups, coffee farmers, including women, gain access to financial services through group-managed savings and loan schemes, as well as opportunities to develop collective business activities as additional sources of income. Moving forward, similar groups will also be established in Jember District, one of the key coffee-producing areas in East Java.

“With the establishment of the Makmur Lestari group, we hope it will foster greater independence for women, improve their well-being, and enable them to be financially self-reliant through the business units that will be developed.”
Nartiyah – Member of KUPM Makmur Lestari, Temanggung