BRI Peduli Helps Former Migrant Worker Develop Seafood Processing Business
Four years working as a migrant worker in Malaysia became an important part of Rosyidah’s life journey. However, when her time abroad ended, she chose to return to her hometown in Eretan Kulon Village, Kandanghaur District, Indramayu Regency, carrying a new sheet of hope.
Returning to Indonesia, Rosyidah saw the potential that had always been so close to coastal community life. Seafood was available in abundance, but most of it had not been processed into products with higher economic value. Behind these conditions, she saw an opportunity worth pursuing.
Armed with courage, Rosyidah began pioneering a processed seafood business under the brand C’milzea. This venture also became a way for her to open opportunities for the fishermen’s wives in her neighbourhood to contribute and earn additional income.
‘I saw that the natural resources around us were very abundant, but lacked market value. From there, I dared to process them into products while also creating job opportunities for the local fishermen’s wives,’ she said.
The journey of building a business was not always smooth. The biggest challenge Rosyidah faced came from the process of building self-confidence as an entrepreneur. She had to learn to change her mindset, rise above various doubts, and understand how to market her products so they would become more widely known.
The desire to keep growing led her to participate in the Returning Migrant Worker Training organised by BRI. The programme became a new learning space for Rosyidah to strengthen her entrepreneurial skills while broadening her insights into business development.
For Rosyidah, the training opened up opportunities to meet and exchange experiences with fellow business actors. From there, she gained new perspectives that helped her see her business in a different light.
‘This training really helped me improve my mindset as an entrepreneur. In addition, I also gained new networks that are very useful for business development,’ she said.
The knowledge gained during the training was then applied gradually in her business. One example was through the development of processed fish into new value-added products, thereby expanding the product choices offered to consumers. ‘Alhamdulillah, after attending the training I gained a lot of knowledge, especially in processing fish, such as making fish crackers. This knowledge has been very helpful in developing the business I run,’ said Rosyidah.
In addition to receiving mentoring through training, Rosyidah also utilised the BRI Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR) facility as additional capital to develop her business. The funds were used to purchase raw materials, increase product stock, and meet operational needs so she could fulfil customer demand more optimally.
‘Alhamdulillah, the KUR funds I received were truly used to develop the business, from buying raw materials to increasing product stock. With KUR, I no longer have difficulties when I need capital to meet customer demand. I am very grateful because my business is growing and sales are increasing,’ she revealed.
These changes have had an impact on her business development. Whereas previously C’milzea’s average sales only reached around 50 packages, they have now increased to around 70 to 100 packages. In addition, the product range, which was initially limited, has now grown to three product variations.
For Rosyidah, the journey from a foreign land to building a business in her hometown is proof that opportunities to grow are always open to anyone willing to learn. Support through the Returning Migrant Worker Training and the BRI KUR facility became steps that strengthened her belief in continuing to develop her business while bringing benefits to the surrounding community.
On a separate occasion, BRI Corporate Secretary Dhanny explained that BRI Peduli, as the umbrella for the Social and Environmental Responsibility Programme, organises empowerment programmes for returning Indonesian migrant workers. The programme is designed to equip returning workers with various skills and knowledge needed to build economic resilience, both for business development and improving domestic job opportunities.
The programme aims to enhance the entrepreneurial knowledge and skills of returning migrants in developing businesses, while equipping them with sustainable business planning and management capabilities.
Through this programme, participants are encouraged to start or develop productive businesses that align with the potential and opportunities in their respective regions. In addition, participants will also receive intensive business mentoring to support more optimal, competitive, and sustainable business growth.
‘Rosyidah’s story is proof that the training provided by BRI Peduli delivers real benefits for returning workers in building and developing businesses. With the support of experienced mentors, the training provided can help improve the independence and welfare of returning migrant workers, while actively contributing to driving community economic development,’ said Dhanny.