Driving MSME Advancement Through Sustainable Soy-Based Food Innovation
FKS Group, in collaboration with Pelindo Multi Terminal, is continuing its community empowerment programme, which has now entered its second phase in Surabaya. This initiative is part of the companies’ ongoing efforts to support the development of food-based MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) to ensure they become more developed, independent, and competitive.
Guided by the spirit of ‘Empowering Potential, Building Expertise, and Creating Impact’, this collaboration focuses on strengthening practical skills and increasing business capacity. In this second phase, the programme has expanded to the Tenggulunan area in the Teluk Lampon region and wider Surabaya, targeting over 100 female participants. The kick-off event was attended by more than 150 participants.
This programme arrives amidst Surabaya’s positive economic growth. Data from the Surabaya Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) recorded an economic growth of 5.87% in 2025, with the trade and manufacturing sectors being the largest contributors to the city’s economy. Simultaneously, the MSME sector continues to thrive, with the Surabaya City Government recording over 106,000 active business units.
Through this collaborative programme, participants receive training in hygienic fresh tempeh production according to Halal standards, as well as various soy-based product innovations. Training also covers simple bookkeeping, product packaging design, and assistance in obtaining business legality, such as PIRT (Home Industry Food Production) and Halal certification, to facilitate entry into modern markets. Participants from the first phase are also involved as trainers through a Training of Trainers (ToT) scheme to ensure continuous learning within the community.
Beatrice Susanto, VP of ESG at FKS Group, stated that the second phase of FKS Empower is designed as a concrete step to open wider economic opportunities, particularly for women entrepreneurs. She emphasised that the programme serves as a space for participants to strengthen skills, build confidence, and develop sustainable businesses.
Zulhendri, VP of CSR at Pelindo Multi Terminal, expressed hope that the programme would continue to benefit the community, eventually enabling them to become self-sufficient. He noted that the programme is a manifestation of the Pelindo Group’s commitment to developing MSMEs within their operational areas while upholding sustainability principles.
The collaboration between FKS Group and Pelindo Multi Terminal has been active since 2024. During the first phase in 2024, the programme supported communities in four sub-districts around Teluk Lamong, Gresik. During that period, 60 housewives received one year of mentoring, resulting in a total group income of over Rp100 million. Various innovative products were developed, including fresh tempeh, sago tempeh chips, soy milk, tempeh brownies, and other soy derivatives.
Beyond increasing income, the programme aims to build a community-based economy by utilising food ingredients that are essential to daily life. This approach is highly relevant to the growth trends of MSMEs in Surabaya, driven by product innovation and the strengthening of local business capacity.
The MSME sector is the backbone of Surabaya’s economy, with over 106,000 active and officially registered MSMEs as of 2025. For 2026, the Surabaya City Government aims to provide interventions—including training, marketing, and legality assistance—to 5,250 MSMEs.
The Mayor of Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi, welcomed the programme, noting its alignment with the city government’s efforts to enhance MSME competitiveness. He expressed high appreciation for the strategic collaboration between PT Pelindo Multi Terminal and FKS Group, stating that such synergy between the business world and community empowerment is vital for creating high-value products capable of competing globally.
One participant, Dessy Intan Normalasari, shared that the programme has provided significant benefits, teaching her everything from business management and attractive packaging to the importance of legal certification, ultimately boosting her confidence to expand her business.