The women of Balai Sakinah ‘Aisyiyah (BSA) in Margacinta Village, Leuwigoong District, Garut, West Java, have transformed local ginger and turmeric into flagship products, significantly boosting the village economy.
Through the ‘Aisyiyah Family Economic Empowerment Movement (BUEKA), supported by the Australia-Indonesia Partnership Towards an Inclusive Society (INKLUSI) Program, the BSA Margacinta group produces powdered ginger and turmeric drinks, and is a driving force in the local economy
BSA serves as a centre for education and support, focusing on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights services, reducing stunting, preventing child marriage, promoting women’s leadership, and fostering economic empowerment. Its BUEKA group aims to improve the welfare of impoverished women and people with disabilities by focusing on capacity building, group institutional development, stakeholder partnerships and creating MSMEs focused on local resources.
In addition to BUEKA, BSA Margacinta developed the Nutrition Garden Program to improve nutritional status and reduce stunting through a community-based approach. This program educates the community on proper nutrition, involves fathers in parenting, and promotes food sovereignty by growing local crops. The garden’s produce supports the economic activities driven by BUEKA.
With an abundance of ginger and turmeric in the village, women learned how to process these ingredients into powdered drink products with a higher market value. In December 2022, through a training program offered by ‘Aisyiyah’s Entrepreneurship School under the INKLUSI Program, BSA Margacinta members learned how to make ginger and turmeric powder.
“We used to only process ginger and turmeric traditionally. Now we produce ginger and turmeric powder that are more practical and popular among many people,” said Kokom, leader of BSA Margacinta.
This training was a turning point. The group have improved production skills and are confident in marketing their products widely. Every week, they produce up to 6 kilograms of ginger and turmeric powder, and demand has increased in the community. Support from the INKLUSI Program, including a ginger grater machine, accelerated production.
Kokom noted the benefits extend beyond the group to the wider community, with raw materials purchased locally and strengthening the economy.
“The benefits are substantial. Aside from generating additional income, the sales revenue helps cover operational costs such as paying the teachers at the Rumah Tahfidz,” Kokom explained.
Through BUEKA, this initiative not only impacts family incomes but also contributes to children’s education.
The group has gained the support of the Margacinta Village Government. The village head is a regular customer and encourages similar training programs. With the support of village funds, BSA Margacinta organised training for over 20 people, demonstrating that local resources can bring about significant change.
BSA Margacinta’s ginger and turmeric powder products have flourished, and a Business Registration Number and halal certification have been secured. The products are being sold in Bandung City and the footprint continues to grow.
Kokom and her fellow group members are proud of the skills and support they have received from INKLUSI Program through ‘Aisyiyah.
“We hope this business continues to grow and brings even greater benefits to BSA members and the community,” she said.
The experience of BSA highlights how collaboration between civil society and local government can harness village resources and create sustainable business opportunities that improve women’s economic independence.
