30 August 2024
Harita Nickel has introduced a new initiative—Produk Unggulan Olahan Rempah Maluku Utara, known as Propala, as part of Harita Nickel’s broader Community Development and Empowerment Program (Pengembangan dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat or PPM). This program specifically targets local women, particularly mothers, now residing in the new settlement of Kawasi Village.
Harita Nickel has launched Produk Unggulan Olahan Rempah Maluku Utara, known as Propala, a new initiative under its Community Development and Empowerment Program. This program focuses on local women, especially mothers, living in the new settlement of Kawasi Village.
Ifan Farianda, Harita Nickel's Community Development Manager, explained that Propala was designed as a platform to empower local women by diversifying the use of nutmeg, a crop deeply rooted in the history of North Maluku. Despite nutmeg being the region’s one the most prized commodity, its full potential has long been overlooked. The nutmeg seed has always been harvested, but the flesh, which makes up the majority of the fruit, has been left untapped.
“The flesh of the nutmeg is both sweet and slightly tangy, and can be transformed into an array of products, including nutmeg syrup, jam, and the chewy confection, similar to Turkish Delight, known as dodol,” Ifan remarked.
To unlock this potential, Harita Nickel has enlisted the help of small business entrepreneurs from Ternate, who have been conducting training workshops for the women in Kawasi.
In a recent workshop, 30 women learned how to process nutmeg into drinks and snacks, as well as how to package these products attractively. The sessions not only provided technical skills but also focused on building entrepreneurial confidence and instilling the basics of running a business.
“The mothers in Propala are a new group, joining other women-led businesses we've helped before. This is part of our ongoing effort to support the community's economic stability, especially as they adjust to their new homes,” Ifan added.
In a further boost to their business prospects, Harita Nickel has helped secure Pangan Industri Rumah Tangga or PIRT certification for five Propala products: nutmeg syrup, fruit concentrate, air guraka (a traditional herbal drink), jam, and dodol. These certifications open doors for wider market access, allowing the women to sell to employees heading home on leave or visitors to the site.
Fauzia, a member of the Propala group, expressed her excitement at participating in the program. “I used to think nutmeg was only valuable for its seeds. Now, we’re making syrups, dodol, candies, and even air guraka. Our region is rich in spices, but before the company came, it was hard to find buyers or even get our hands on the ingredients. But now, with the economy improving, selling these processed products is much easier,” she shared, hopeful for the additional income Propala could bring.
The new settlement of Kawasi village, supported by the government and facilitated by Harita Nickel, provides residents with better housing. Since moving in, the community has started to grow economically, with people opening grocery stores and vegetable stalls to serve others.
In Propala, Harita Nickel has not only invested in the local economy but in the future of Kawasi’s women, offering them the tools and training to build a sustainable livelihood in the heart of North Maluku’s spice-rich landscape.
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