JAKARTA —-— All levels of society, both in Indonesia and around the world, have certainly felt the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic over the past few years. Although case numbers are gradually improving, other sectors, such as the economy, are still struggling to recover from the downturn.
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are touted by various parties as a solution to revive the economy, especially for the lower-middle class. Of course, this requires support from various parties, ranging from providing skills training to capital assistance.
This prompted the Dompet Dhuafa Social Trust Fund to meet these needs by launching a program for micro businesses in the Dompet Dhuafa Semesta Hijau area, Ragunan, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, on Friday (1/4/2022). In addition to marking the start of the program, this activity also included several skills training sessions, such as juice making, coffee making, and fried chicken cooking.
A total of 30 participants from the Jakarta metropolitan area (Jabodetabek) benefited from this zakat program for micro-enterprises. They will also receive guidance and business capital assistance, as well as various equipment to start their businesses. This assistance is the result of active collaboration between Dompet Dhuafa and Permata Bank Syariah through the Permata Bank Syariah Zakat Management Unit (UPZ) to revive the community’s economy after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are currently holding a kick-off program for zakat for micro businesses located in Jakarta. There are 30 participants from Greater Jakarta, and the beneficiaries receive assistance in the form of booths for fried chicken businesses, coffee, and juice. Additionally, there is also business capital assistance from Permata Bank Syariah in the form of arqudu hasan, as they are just starting their businesses,” explained Dodi Subardi, Head of the Social Trust Fund at Dompet Dhuafa.
Dodi also added that the various MSME options available were chosen due to the high demand from that market segment. The hope is that through this program, the economy of MSME players will improve to achieve community welfare.
“Hopefully, this program can improve welfare. The program covers a wide area, but currently only 30 participants are involved. God willing, this program will be in line with the current trends in society, such as fried chicken and coffee,” continued Dodi.
Ade Budimasnyah, one of the participants from South Jakarta, appeared very enthusiastic about participating in this activity. This was evident from his active participation in listening and asking questions when the mentors presented material on processing MSME products. According to him, after this activity, he could not wait to start a business by opening a coffee shop, which is currently popular among young people in the capital city.
“Alhamdulillah, the training went smoothly and very well because this is a program to advance MSME players in Indonesia, especially myself as an MSME player who feels greatly helped by this event. For future plans, Insha Allah, after receiving this assistance, I will continue by starting a business. Coincidentally, I got coffee, coincidentally I have gained experience, teaching, and training. God willing, I can move forward immediately and God willing, this business can progress and run smoothly,”
Before leaving the location of the activity, Ade cheerfully expressed his gratitude to Dompet Dhuafa and Permata Bank Syariah for giving him the opportunity to receive training and business capital assistance. “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Dompet Dhuafa and Permata Bank Syariah for allowing me to participate in this program. May Dompet Dhuafa and Permata Bank Syariah always be successful in the future. Success to all Indonesian MSMEs, success to everyone, amen,” Ade concluded to the team at the location. (Dompet Dhuafa / Arlen)