The Story of a Water Hyacinth Entrepreneur Becomes a Global MSME Thanks to the BRI Incubator

The measure of success for women in today’s modern era is being able to be independent and empowered. However, being empowered and able to invite women in the surrounding environment to improve their standard of living is an incomparable pride.

Ieko Damayanti is a woman who can prove this. This 33-year-old woman owns CV Sahabat Alam, a handicraft company with the brand “Ratu Eceng” which empowers many women.

He told me that his life path started because of his anxiety which was difficult to fit into the work environment. Moreover, not many companies are willing to recruit this girl with a high school diploma. “Graduating from high school is very difficult to find a job because I am not perfect, which can be accepted by other offices or companies,” he said.

Finally, Ieko decided to start a water hyacinth business because she saw bright opportunities in the future. Ieko thought the choice to open a business was very relevant at that time. Moreover, he does have aspirations to be independent and have his own business.

Ieko continued, his efforts in starting a business were not an easy matter. As a young person, he admits that he doesn’t have much capital and experience. Ieko is very interested in the craft of water hyacinth. With a capital of only Rp. 150,000, Ieko opened a small weaving industry and began to learn all kinds of business independently.

“Indeed I should have set up a company. Finally I was in this business self-taught,” he added.

He said that the process of starting the water hyacinth business did not immediately produce results. Even Ieko still has to be willing to work side-by-side at a gadget counter shop. This is done in order to increase business capital and continue to develop this love business.

Apart from that, Ieko said that he also received business capital financing support from BRI to develop his business. In fact, this support is a tremendous lever for this small business. He was very happy and grateful to be able to work with BRI and assessed that BRI was very supportive both in terms of capital, assistance, and training.

 “I think it’s not enough just to get here but how this business continues to grow and continues to benefit many people. Thank you BRI for the extraordinary support,” added the mother of one child.

Thanks to the BRI Incubator, Ratu Eceng’s efforts have gained foreign buyers so that their products can be exported abroad.

Ieko continued the efforts of her Eceng Queen, having participated in the BRI Incubator program. From this program, his business entered the top 10 in Indonesia. Thanks to this BRI Incubator, his business is also looking for foreign buyers so that their products can be exported abroad.

“Well, when BRILIANPRENEUR last year I was invited and passed so that I could display my products at the international event. And that’s where I finally met a buyer from Los Angeles, our marketing is not only to Los Angeles but our marketing, Alhamdulillah, has gone to Japan, “said this woman from Tangerang.

With this achievement, Ieko finally made a renewal of her business goal, namely empowering local women. She felt the need to share her water hyacinth weaving skills with other women.

He also tried to gather other superwoman around him to weave water hyacinth. Ieko hopes to help women contribute to income generation, and be empowered at home. Moreover, women’s weaving skills are higher. This makes Ratu Eceng products neater and of higher quality.

As time passed and the number of orders increased, the number of people Ieko taught increased. Not only in the Sindang Jaya area, but also in the sub-districts of Ciledug to Parung.

Regarding turnover, Ieko admitted that his business is currently able to print Rp. 15 million to Rp. 35 million. Although this achievement is already extraordinary for a small business, Ieko is not satisfied with that.

“This business is not only for profit for myself, but for many people,” he added.

From his efforts that had been underestimated by people, Ieko was able to build a new house, and make his own weaving house. In the future, this 33-year-old woman also plans to have a gallery of beautiful 3-story woven houses.

Ieko is one of the customers of BRI Unit Karang Tengah Ciledug who has good will and ability to develop a business.