TANGERANG (29 August 2023) - The sweetness and softness of the Watashi Cake steamed sponge cake prove Wiartiati's dedication to her business. Perseverance and tenacity enable this 40-year-old woman's business to thrive.


Her business grew even further after the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) assisted her with the Indonesian Economic Hero (PENA) program. This resident of Cibodas Baru sub-district, Cibodas District, Tangerang City, stated that she was ready to graduate from the Family Hope Program (PKH).


Tati, her nickname, is listed as a beneficiary in the MoSA's PENA program in 2022 to help her business grow. "Thank God, PENA's assistance helped me advance my business by purchasing a gas stove, mixer, steam cooker, and a 3kg LPG," she said.


She saw direct benefits from the Ministry of Social Affairs' PENA in increasing cake production. "Before I received assistance, I only made the cake by order because the equipment could only handle small quantities. My production volume increased after receiving assistance," she noted.


In the future, she admitted that she was prepared to graduate from PKH. "I am ready to graduate. The hope is that this program can increase my income through sustainable business to achieve independence and break the chain of poverty," she said.


As a housewife, Tati talked about how she started building a steamed cake culinary business. "I started from a small business in general. Making steamed cakes is a talent/hobby of mine. I have always enjoyed making steamed cakes and they taste great," she explained.


Watashi Cake is the name of this culinary product. Tati accepts orders and distributes them to markets near her home.


Tati once experienced an LPG leak. However, with persistent determination and remembering her hobby, the feeling of trauma was reduced. "I had an LPG leak. My kitchen almost caught fire. It was traumatic at first, but if I keep going like this, I won't be able to do my hobbies or grow my business," she explained.


It doesn't take long to make steamed sponge cake. It takes around 1.5 hours to prepare a precise steamed sponge cake by gathering the materials, preparing the dough, and steaming continuously while not leaving it for too long.


Tati's business is expanding over time. On special occasions, steamed cakes with brown sugar and white sugar flavors are also popular. "Unexpectedly, the Watashi Cake steamed sponge cake business received orders from recitations/celebrations, besides this steamed sponge cake was entrusted to the market," she explained.