JAKARTA — Choosing to be a single parent is hardly anyone’s preference. Certainly, no one. However, this is the reality that Kuswati, a 50-year-old woman affectionately known as Neng, has bravely embraced.
To meet her needs, Neng started a catering business serving factory workers. Neng, from Kalibaru, Cilincing, North Jakarta, is an unsung hero not only to her children but also to other single parents in her community.
Although she has not received formal recognition or titles, Neng’s courage and determination in carrying the responsibility as the sole breadwinner for her family stand as a testament to her heroism.
“Despite being a small business, I strive to involve neighbors, relatives, and friends in need of work. It’s modest, but it’s enough to provide for our meals,” Neng explained.
For over 20 years, Neng has been operating her business across various factories, from large factory canteens to smaller ones. Her business reached its peak when she catered to a large factory, serving meals to 1,000 employees.
Neng has faced life’s ups and downs, with the toughest period during the Covid-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, Neng undertook various jobs to make ends meet, from selling fritters to working as a motorcycle taxi driver.
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Currently, Neng typically prepares around 40 portions of catering food for factory workers for breakfast and lunch. Along with her sister and sister-in-law, she cooks and serves dishes as ordered, including fried rice, nasi uduk, pepes, balado tongkol, and sweet iced tea. She continues to strive in her business to help others in similar situations, especially single parents.
With love, resilience, and diligence, Neng demonstrates that true strength isn’t always measured by academic achievements or career milestones but by the ability to face life’s challenges with integrity and courage. She offers inspiration on how one can be a source of happiness and a role model for their family and community.
“I aspire to expand my catering business to employ even more relatives, neighbors, and those in need,” Neng shared.
Neng sells each portion of her menu for about IDR 13,000 to 15,000. She cooks all the food at home and then delivers it to the factories during meal times, as she cannot afford to rent a place for a canteen.
With the rising cost of cooking ingredients, Neng sometimes earns only a small profit. Despite this, she remains dedicated to her business to support her household and her youngest child, who is still in school.
“Nowadays, everything is expensive, so we can’t just sit back; we have to strive together,” Neng advises.
In recognition of Neng and Teh Rani’s indomitable spirit and their inclusive efforts in their business, the Community Service Institution (LPM) of Dompet Dhuafa celebrated their contributions on Heroes’ Day. They received appreciation in the form of grocery packages to support Neng and Teh Rani’s kitchen needs. Additionally, LPM provided them with a bonus for their contribution to the business that day. (Dompet Dhuafa/LPM/Ray/Anndini)