Developing Coconut Husk Waste: PNM Mekaar Clients Empower Local Residents

For Iga Analusya, joining PNM Mekaar is about more than just obtaining business capital. The 32-year-old from the Padang coast has found something far greater than a mere loan: a space to learn, innovate, and empower her surrounding environment through her handicraft business, Farilla Craft.

Farilla Craft was born from Iga’s keen ability to spot opportunities in places others often overlook. She processes coconut husk waste, which accumulates around her coastal home, into high-value handmade products ranging from bags and wallets to pots and natural-themed decorations. This idea originated from coconut husk processing training she attended in 2021, where various experts were brought in to equip coastal residents with new skills.

“We saw that coconut husk waste was not being utilised, even though it has great potential,” Iga recalled, describing the beginnings of her business alongside her husband, who serves as the product designer.

While the business existed before Iga married, it only truly flourished after she joined PNM Mekaar in late 2023. She used an initial capital of Rp 3,000,000 to purchase raw materials, ensuring that production is no longer solely dependent on incoming orders. Her loan ceiling has since grown to Rp 8,500,000 in line with the expanding scale of the business.

Driven by the spirit of #PNMuntukUMKM and #PNMPemberdayaanUMKM, Farilla Craft is now capable of producing up to 100 items per production cycle, with a turnaround time of approximately three weeks for large orders, such as those from government agencies. The business also stimulates the local economy by involving 15 to 20 artisans, most of whom are housewives living in Iga’s coastal neighbourhood.

However, for Iga, the most meaningful achievement comes from another aspect of PNM that clients often overlook: empowerment through training and mentoring. Her participation in the Mekaarpreneur 2026 programme, which saw her ranked among the top 120 participants, has broadened her horizons regarding technology-based business management and social media promotion strategies.