Continuing to Thrive, BRI Empowerment Boosts Economy of Empang Baru Village
Desa Empang Baru in Siak Regency, Riau, is demonstrating increasingly dynamic economic development through the growth of diverse businesses within the community. This village, spanning 1,660 hectares, does not rely on a single sector but develops various lines of business, from plantations and livestock farming to trade and household-based SMEs.
The Head of Desa Empang Baru, Partono Ahmad Cani, stated that the village’s economic strength lies in the collaboration among business actors that has grown naturally and supports one another.
“SMEs like Ting Ting Jahe and the floating fish cage business are our mainstays. The presence of the Desa BRILiaN programme from BRI has also accelerated the enhancement of community business capacity,” he said.
The role of the Village-Owned Business Entity (BUMKam) Mekar Sari is a vital foundation in managing the village’s economic activities. Not only as a business manager, BUMKam also serves as a bridge between the community and access to financing and formal financial services, thereby encouraging the integrated development of various business units.
The community’s diverse businesses continue to expand, from the livestock sector, floating fish cage fisheries, food processing production, to trade. UMKM products like Ting Ting Jahe are increasingly recognised and marketed more widely, involving active participation from the community, including PKK women’s groups.
On the other hand, the fisheries sector through floating fish cages also makes a significant contribution to residents’ income with sustainable management.
Support for the village’s economic activities is further strengthened by BRI through various inclusive financial services. Through the distribution of financing, strengthening of AgenBRILink agents, and the implementation of digital transactions using QRIS and the BRImo app, the community can more easily access financial services while developing their businesses.
BRI Micro Director Akhmad Purwakajaya emphasised that the development of Desa Empang Baru aligns with the objectives of the Desa BRILiaN programme, which is designed to create resilient and sustainable villages.
“Desa BRILiaN is an empowerment programme that prioritises strengthening village institutions, digitalisation of financial services, economic sustainability, and community innovation. Through this approach, BRI encourages villages to grow independently by maximising their potential,” Akhmad explained.
Akhmad added that to date, the Desa BRILiaN programme initiated by BRI has reached more than 5,200 villages across Indonesia, including Desa Empang Baru, which continues to show positive development.