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Never Give Up, Erni Opens a Sewing Business Successfully

Never Give Up, Erni Opens a Sewing Business Successfully
Writer :
Lelyana
Translator :
Alif Mufida Ulya

CIBINONG (January 24th, 2024) – Erni Ika Sari (35), might be an example of a great woman. Compassion for polio disability did not make physical imperfection a barrier. In fact, she wanted to prove that a person with disability could be successful like others.

Erni was born at near Mount Ciremai, precisely in Cipicung District, Kuningan Regency, West Java. Her father worked as a farmer, while her mother sold snacks in a simple way. Erni was born normally like children in general. She grew into a cute and adorable child, learned to step, run and play with her little friends.

At the age of 4 years, Erni had a high fever in a sudden. Her body was shivering, her face was pale and her body temperature was high. Erni's parents, with all their existing limitations, immediately took Erni to the hospital. After an examination, the doctor diagnosed her with polio.

The effort to seek treatment continued, but there were no significant results. Erni's parents then chose to use traditional medicines while therapy was ongoing. "Thank God, I can walk again, although not perfectly," said Erni, remembering her childhood.
Erni grew up to be a pretty girl. She has a high enthusiasm in learning, making progress and being successful. But, it was not easy for her to achieve success in an area with limited facilities, such as Kuningan Regency, especially for people with disabilities. However, this limitation was not an obstacle for Erni to continue studying.

Erni took part in various training for people with disabilities in Cimahi, West Java in 2014 and in Solo, Central Java in 2016. Erni also took part in training organized by the Manpower Service in Darut Tauhid Bandung, West Java in 2021, as well as taking part in a bazaar for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) in Kuningan. In between attending training, Erni helped her mother's business selling snacks at Kuningan Regency Social Service and Kuningan Regency Regional Government.

As she often interacts with staff at Kuningan Regency Social Service, Erni heard information that various training was available for people with disabilities at "Inten Soeweno" Integrated Center (STIS) in Cibinong.

Erni also enthusiastically took part in the selection carried out by Kuningan Regency Social Service and was declared to have passed in 2022. "I am enthusiastic about taking part in training at STIS in Cibinong because I want to make progress in life," said Erni enthusiastically.

For two months, Erni attended sewing skills training at STIS in Cibinong. "The training material is very interesting," said Erni.

She admitted that she learned a number of theories and practices, such as how to operate and maintain a sewing machine, measuring bodies, making patterns, and sewing techniques there. "The instructor advised us to practice sewing a lot," said Erni regarding the advice conveyed by the instructor, Tri Wahyudi.

Now, Erni is skilled at sewing. Besides, Erni is also happy as she received assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) in the form of sewing machines, overlock machines, even a sewing business was provided within SKA Inten Soeweno, named ATENSI Tailor.

Every day, Erni got sewing orders, such as sewing trousers, shirts, even kebaya. Sewing rates for shirts range from IDR 50,000 – IDR 60,000, trousers IDR 100,000, while for kebaya, it ranged from IDR 90,000 – IDR 130,000 depending on the level of complexity.

"Mamah told me not to set prices too high," said Erna, remembering her mother's advice. Erni obeyed the message. Because of her sewing skills, Erni's income continued to increase from IDR 300,000 per month, to IDR 800,000 – IDR 1 million per month due to the huge requests.

"I am sure that seeing Erni Ika's enthusiasm, her skills will continue to improve and she will have more customers," said Tri, full of optimism.

Erni also felt very grateful for MoSA's assistance. "I am very grateful. MoSA has helped me in so many ways and be the person who I am," said her gratefully. Erni hoped that her steps could be an inspiration for other people with disabilities.

Public Relations Bureau
Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs
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