BATU CITY (June 24th, 2024) - Ministry of Social Affairs was seeking to enhance the beneficiaries of social assistance businesses such as Sumadi (44) who owned marie wijen (sesame coated biscuit) “Ivanes” from Batu City Malang by providing Nusantara Economic Heroes (PENA) assistance. Sumadi got business capital assistance which he used to complete the equipment of the business.

Sumadi, a resident of Junrejo Village in Junrejo District, Batu City Malang, was one of the beneficiaries of Family Hope Program (PKH). After receiving PKH assistance, Sumadi and his wife started Marie Wijen business to meet their daily needs.

In addition to getting business capital assistance, Sumadi also got counseling from Tata Rupa Nusantara. Sumadi was given counseling for redesigning or repackaging the product. Packaging design that attracts consumers was expected to increase sales and turnover.

Sumadi's success, which was heard by the media, turned out to be a blessing to him. After having some difficulties finding suppliers of raw materials, now the suppliers were coming thanks to their profiles that often appeared on social media.

According to Sumadi, besides selling the biscuits in his store, his products were also sold in souvenir shops around Batu City. His business extended to Batu City. "My Marie Wijen has been sold in 40 stores in Batu City, Gresik, and Lamongan area," Sumadi said.

As his business grew more, his income also increased. Sumadi’s income even increased twice as much from IDR 4 million to IDR 8 million to IDR 9 million per month. With his recent income, Sumadi and his wife stated that they were ready to graduate.

Sumadi was becoming more enthusiastic about managing his business because his product had advantages compared to other products in terms of quality and packaging design. The Marie Wijen business has now gotten a halal certificate, and Business Registration Number (NIB), and has been registered with The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority after getting counseling from Ministry of Social Affairs.

“My Marie Wijen has its strength for its design and the taste is also different from the other,” he added.

Having many strengths as stated above, Marie Wijen Ivanes was ready to compete with other products. “You haven’t fully enjoyed Batu City if haven’t bought Marie Wijen Ivanes. Marie Wijen Ivanes is the proof of taste for you,” Sumadi ended by promoting his product.