In the coastal areas of OKI Regency, women face a stark reality marked by remoteness, lack of basic amenities such as electricity, and entrenched perceptions that confine them to domestic roles. Despite these challenges, women like those in the Bintang Ratu group are breaking traditional boundaries by creating processed food products from their husbands' catches, albeit limited by lack of electricity and connectivity to broader markets.
Read: Preserving a Little Paradise on the Coast of Jakarta
The Bintang Ratu group is a women’s business group in the Simpang Tiga Abadi Village. Historically, their goods, such as shrimp paste, dried fish, crackers and pempek (Indonesia fishcake), circulated only within local confines at minimal prices. Innovatively, the women in Bintang Ratu ventured into producing presto milkfish (fish meat cooked until tender with edible bones), gaining recognition and orders from beyond their village. Yet, they were struggling with significant product loss during transportation—only 50% of the products remain edible, while the rest are damaged and cannot be sold. Unclear financial practices have also impeded their business, as they are yet to turn a profit. Sales returns are channeled toward replenishing their capital.
Quote: Sri Ngatoyah
For decades, and even in our parents' time, we never realized the potential lying in our backyards. Thanks to YKAN's introduction of innovative uses for nypa fruit, last Eid (2023) we managed to sell 17 kg of nypa cookies.
The MERA program was introduced to OKI stakeholders in 2021 to revolutionize their business approach by introducing products like milkfish floss and nypa (mangrove palm) cookies, offering longer shelf life and broader market appeal. With training in organizational management, bookkeeping, pricing and marketing strategies, Bintang Ratu saw a promising shift. Their production of new derivative products began to thrive—transforming previously discarded nypa fruits into profitable cookies, and milkfish from the ponds into floss that is gaining popularity.
However, logistics and market access continue to pose challenges. YKAN is dedicated to expanding distribution channels for the group’s innovative products, a vital move as a renowned pempek (Indonesian fishcake delicacy) store in Palembang City has committed to off-take their milkfish floss, marking a significant step forward. Efforts to boost visibility and sales have included initiating promotional partnerships with the OKI Regency Planning Office and other governmental programs.
Despite these challenges, Bintang Ratu upheld a resilient and optimistic perspective. Their achievements served as inspiration, prompting women’s collectives in neighboring villages to follow their example. Bintang Ratu's story reflects a larger narrative of empowerment and sustainable development. Through YKAN's support in enhancing production techniques, financial literacy, and market access, the group witnessed a substantial uplift in their livelihood, notably during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, where their sales reached new heights.
This journey from underutilization to profitable sustainability not only showcases the potential for alternative livelihoods but also underscores the critical importance of empowering coastal communities, ensuring their economic activities complement rather than compete with the preservation of their natural mangrove habitats.
Read This Next
The women of the Salafen village
Women must have an essential role in protecting nature. Continuing the Sasi tradition is one of our efforts to preserve nature.
B.A.S.I.C Program – Youth in Nature Conservation
Youth are future leaders. Harmonization of human life and nature is fostered from now.
The Positive Impact of 741 Hectares Mangroves in Semanting Bay
Mangrove forests that are successfully restored bring benefits from an ecological and economic perspective.