Obi Island, South Halmahera — The distinctive aroma of various takjil delicacies and the lively chatter of residents transform the commercial area of the new Kawasi Village settlement every afternoon as the time for breaking the fast approaches. More than just an ordinary evening market, the vibrant atmosphere initiated by Harita Nickel through the “Sapa Ramadan” program has become a new economic pulse that energizes dozens of local MSMEs.
Every afternoon, hundreds of residents and Harita Nickel employees flock to rows of stalls offering takjil and basic food staples. The main attraction on Sunday afternoon (February 22) was a 50 percent discount program on all items. The strong enthusiasm from visitors became a catalyst for significant economic activity.
Hardiana and Abdul Khamis Muis, employees who took part in the shopping crowd, acknowledged that the bazaar not only makes affordable daily necessities more accessible but also offers a comforting reminder of culinary flavors from their hometowns.
“Almost every afternoon, my friends and I come here to hunt for takjil. It has become a routine for us. The food is delicious, and for us it also helps ease the longing for home,” said Ismail, the nickname of Abdul Khamis Muis.
Interestingly, the excitement and benefits of Sapa Ramadan transcend religious boundaries. Non-Muslim residents such as Yunince also joined the lively crowd, turning the bazaar into an inclusive space for social interaction while offering a rare opportunity to enjoy traditional Ramadan treats that are seldom found outside the holy month.
Economic Stimulus for Local Traders
For MSME players, the surge in visitors has translated directly into improved income. Tina Nomor, a vendor selling side dishes and ketupat, recorded an average daily revenue of Rp1 million since the bazaar opened.
A similar experience was shared by sisters Mila and Tika, who sell various takjil snacks. The company’s discount subsidy program has helped their products sell out more quickly, allowing the two to earn more than Rp1.5 million in a single day.
“Just one hour after opening, most of our items are already almost sold out. This subsidy really helps increase our income. We hope the crowds will continue until the end of Ramadan,” Mila said.
Sapa Ramadan demonstrates that the Kawasi commercial area—a more organized and integrated community market that has been home to hundreds of local traders since last year—holds strong potential as a new economic hub.
Suryo Aji from Harita Nickel’s Community Development team explained that the Sapa Ramadan bazaar involves 35 takjil vendors and 10 local staple-food traders. On regular days, the daily circulation of money ranges between Rp18 million and Rp20 million. This figure rises sharply to around Rp50 million when the 50 percent discount program is implemented.
“We hold this half-price discount twice during Sapa Ramadan through a subsidy mechanism. Traders still receive full payment based on normal prices for their first Rp500,000 in accumulated sales. This is our way of spreading joy while also providing direct economic stimulus to our local MSME partners,” Suryo Aji explained.
Sustainable Community Empowerment
Harita Nickel’s commitment to community empowerment extends beyond Kawasi. Previously, the company successfully organized a subsidized basic food bazaar in collaboration with Islamic study groups and PKK women’s groups in Soligi Village. Notably, all proceeds from the sale of these basic goods were not reclaimed by the company but were fully granted as business capital for local partners.
Until the end of Ramadan, Harita Nickel continues to roll out various activities across villages within its operational area, including providing assistance for orphans and the elderly. These initiatives reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to Community Development and Empowerment (PPM), ensuring that the company’s presence consistently brings added value and fosters greater independence for surrounding communities.