Aceh Timur flood survivors sell Eid cakes to rebuild economy

Residents who survived the flooding disaster in Aceh Timur Regency, Aceh, are selling cakes during the Eid festivities to repair their family economies that were crippled by the floods that struck the area. “The proceeds from selling cakes are quite substantial in helping to repair our family’s economy, which has been difficult after being hit by the flood,” said cake trader Novita when met by ANTARA at Idi Rayeuk Market, Aceh Timur, on Thursday. She explained that the cake-selling activity began last week during the final days leading up to the celebration of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah. Several types of cakes that are popular among residents or sell the most include sagon, pie susu, and nastar. Novita explained that in one day, her income from selling cakes can reach Rp500,000. Even when sales continue into the night, the total can reach up to Rp800,000. Nurhayati, another cake trader, explained that demand for cakes is quite high during Ramadan up to the final days before Eid. She mentioned that the highest proceeds from her cake sales can reach Rp3 million, with the most popular types being Acehnese sagon, nastar, and seupet or semprong. “Alhamdulillah, even though there was a calamity, the demand for cakes remains brisk,” she said. Nurhayati explained that the flood disaster also inundated her family’s home, but the equipment for the cake business was still salvageable, so her business could continue. Although only selling cakes during the Eid season, she said, the income is very helpful in improving her family’s economy. “Even though there is assistance from the government and other parties, we try to be independent with this business,” she said.