How the ACB, through the Small Grants Programme (SGP I) and its grantee Yayasan Pendidikan Konservasi dan Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (YAPEKA), empower a women’s group to make a living out of their skills of producing the Dodol Way Kambas.
Pineapple dodol, a chewy caramel-like mixture of grated pineapple, coconut milk, flour, and sugar, is one of the most sought-after delicacies produced by Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) RBI Berjaya, a women farmers’ group in Labuhan Ratu IX, a buffer village in Way Kambas National Park.
The pineapples used by the group are sourced from the corporate social responsibility programme of PT GGP called MSMEs (UMKM) Partnership, an innovative circular economy model applied to communities, specificallyfocusing on utilising pineapples that do not meet export standards. These pineapples are transformed into value-added products such as dodol and jam. The management of these pineapple-based goods is entrusted to local MSMEs within the surrounding villages like KWT RBI Berjaya to help provide economic opportunities and empower households, particularly women.
“We get the pineapples at IDR 3,000 (EUR 0.17) per kilogram. This is cheaper compared to market prices. If we had to buy ingredients at the market rates, we would not earn a profit,” shared Eva from KWT RBI Berjaya.
For every 38-40 pieces of pineapple, the women produce 20 kilograms or 100 packs of dodol. Each pack weighs 200 grams, has a shelf life of 20 to 25 days, and can be sold at IDR 15,000 (EUR 0.87).
According to Eva, profit is distributed among KWT RBI Berjaya’s members every six months. The profit distribution depends on the number of hours each member contributes to the production process. For every hour spent making dodol, members can earn IDR 3,000 (EUR 0.17).
To boost KWT RBI Berjaya’s production and sales, the SGP grantee YAPEKA provided equipment and packaging assistance to the group.
“With the equipment provided by SGP, production became easier for the workforce. Having that kind of support adds to our enthusiasm to continue this business,” said Efiyana, another member of KWT RBI Berjaya.
Visitors at Way Kambas are now familiar with the red, white, and yellow packaging of Dodol Way Kambas, which is now considered as one of the most sought-after Halal-certified souvenir items from the park. In addition to buying the local treat, tourists also get the opportunity to interact with KWT RBI Berjaya members and learn first-hand about the process of making pineapple dodol.
