Empower Women with Sustainable Livelihood

The Regular Business Meeting was conducted on June 30, 2025, in Pondok Village, Ponorogo, as part of INFEST Yogyakarta’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community-based economic initiatives led by the Indonesian Migrant Workers Community (Komunitas Pekerja Migran Indonesia – KOPI). The meeting specifically focused on evaluating and strengthening business units managed by KOPI-owned community enterprises (Badan Usaha Milik KOPI – BUM KOPI) at the village level.

The activity brought together representatives of village-level BUM KOPI to review business progress, identify challenges, and agree on short-term business plans. The meeting was attended by 39 participants, consisting of 15 men and 24 women, all of whom are members or managers of KOPI and BUM KOPI structures in Ponorogo. The strong participation of women reflects the inclusive approach promoted in community-based economic development under this program.

Objectives and Content

The meeting aimed to:

• Review and evaluate the implementation and progress of business activities managed by each village-level BUM KOPI;

• Identify key challenges, operational obstacles, and potential opportunities for strengthening existing businesses and exploring alternative business models; and

• Agree on a three-month business plan for each village-level BUM KOPI.

Each village representative presented an update on their business performance, followed by a facilitated discussion to reflect on lessons learned and future directions.

Key Learnings and Achievements

Several important developments were highlighted during the meeting:

• BUM KOPI Bringinan currently manages a goat-fattening business involving 13 goats, overseen by four members. As of June 2025, the business generated a profit of IDR 2.7 million. To improve efficiency and management, the group plans to consolidate livestock into a single communal pen.

• BUM KOPI Ngendut continues to focus on agricultural commodity trading. During the current year, the group purchased 2.9 tons of rice grain, with total business assets valued at approximately IDR 20 million.

• BUM KOPI Pondok operates a banner printing business and has expanded into agricultural production. The group earned IDR 2.4 million from its most recent rice harvest and expects to complete two additional harvest cycles within the year. In addition, the group plans to launch a stationery promotion targeting school students.

• BUM KOPI Gelanglor is preparing to cultivate rice on land provided by the Village Head, which has been entrusted to KOPI for collective management. This collaboration reflects growing support from village authorities for community-based economic initiatives.

• BUM KOPI Karangpatihan has initiated a chair rental business and currently owns 105 chairs as business assets. The group has established cooperation with a local wedding organizer to expand market access and increase utilization of rental equipment.

Reflection and Next Steps

The meeting demonstrated that village-level BUM KOPI units are gradually developing diverse and context-specific business models, ranging from agriculture and livestock to services and small-scale enterprises. Participants acknowledged that while progress has been made, ongoing mentoring, improved financial management, and stronger market linkages remain critical to sustaining and scaling these initiatives.

As a follow-up, each BUM KOPI agreed to finalize and implement its three-month business plan, while INFEST will continue to provide facilitation and technical support to strengthen governance, reporting mechanisms, and business sustainability.