Eka and Warda's Struggle Building Businesses with BRI Loans

Eka Sinta Febriana is busy serving customers on the eve of Idul Adha. At her home-based food stall, she grills dishes for arriving customers. Eka’s warm communication style helps her bond with children visiting her home. Her relaxed interactions with customers are a key attraction, drawing crowds to her food business. While serving customers, Eka shared her business journey that began years ago. The 32-year-old initially started a dried cake business in 2022. Her business initially thrived with orders from WhatsApp promotions. At that time, Eka applied for a BRI KUR (People’s Business Credit) loan of Rp 15 million. However, the dried cake business encountered obstacles and eventually shut down completely. Eka then brainstormed ways to supplement her family’s income. ‘I had to take another KUR loan. We borrowed again for capital but switched businesses,’ Eka said during an interview with Detikcom at her home in Kebagusan, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, on 26 May 2026. She then applied for a second BRI KUR loan of Rp 23 million. With this capital, Eka launched a food business offering grilled dishes, snacks, and drinks. The grilled food business operates daily from 5pm to 9pm WIB. In addition to walk-in customers, Eka’s products are available for online orders via the Aneka Bakaran Mom’s Alya store. Economic Impact Eka’s home-based food business now generates gross profits of around Rp 300,000 to Rp 500,000 daily. The income is reinvested into the business and covers daily expenses. ‘Alhamdulillah, it’s sufficient. Selling is unpredictable—sometimes quiet, sometimes busy—but it’s enough. Plus, Gojek orders help, so it covers everything,’ Eka said. Most of Eka’s grilled food customers are locals. Online orders also come in regularly. ‘Over 20 Gojek riders handle online orders,’ Eka said. Eka is assisted by her husband in managing the business, especially during busy weekend orders. ‘Fridays to Sunday nights are the busiest,’ she added. Eka’s food stall attracts many visitors, partly due to its karaoke facility. Locals often gather there to hang out. ‘There are many students renting rooms here. They order via WhatsApp, then hang out, and there’s karaoke too,’ Eka said. Eka plans to continue expanding her business. She hopes to open branches and create jobs for others. ‘Yes, I want to expand more. We want to open branches,’ Eka said. Eka feels greatly supported by the BRI KUR capital. Her family’s income has increased since starting the home-based food business. ‘Alhamdulillah, it’s been very helpful, especially for capital. Capital is crucial for any business. Plus, it covers daily expenses and children’s pocket money,’ Eka said. Warda’s KUR Story The benefits of BRI’s KUR loans in supporting business development are also felt by another resident, Warda Royani. In 2016, she applied for a BRI KUR loan of Rp 25 million to expand her home-based grocery store. At the time, Warda needed capital of around Rp 70 million for her business. The loan was used to stock goods such as gas cylinders and drinking water containers. ‘The impact of borrowing for business is that, alhamdulillah, the money can be recycled,’ Warda said in a separate interview. Warda’s business operated for quite some time. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the grocery store to decline and eventually close. Years later, Warda reapplied to BRI, this time under the Kupedes program. A Rp 30 million loan was used to renovate rental properties and fund her children’s education. In addition to her rental business, Warda now sells food at a school canteen. Her capital for this venture comes from personal funds. Warda said her net income from the school canteen reaches Rp 150,000 daily. She is grateful this income supplements her family’s economic needs. ‘On regular days, when students from grades 1 to 3 come in, we can earn Rp 450,000 to Rp 400,000. After accounting for net income, it’s about Rp 150,000 daily,’ Warda said. Warda stated that the main family income comes from the rental business, while the school canteen profits cover daily expenses and extra pocket money. She chose BRI for its quick and easy loan application process. Additionally, Warda noted that KUR’s interest rates are manageable for business owners. ‘With Kupedes, for me, it’s not too difficult. The procedure isn’t complicated. Hopefully. Maybe because my BI checking has never had any delays,’ Warda said. She said each bank loan is reinvested to generate returns. She is grateful her business impacts daily needs. BRI’s Support for MSMEs Yanuar Akademikus Arbifirdaus, Branch Manager of BRI Pasar Minggu, positively acknowledged the growth of MSMEs in his area. He affirmed BRI’s commitment to advancing MSMEs in Indonesia. ‘We are truly grateful when MSMEs benefit from financing’