From Rock Bottom, Mrs Wulan Rises with PNM

In a corner of Denpasar, Bali, Mrs Wulan once found herself in the most fragile phase of her life. She had no steady job, struggled to pay for her children’s schooling, and was unable to afford a home. In that condition, she chose to persevere.

Her journey began with a small venture: selling citrus leaves for kitchen needs. From there, she ensured a steady, albeit limited, income. Along the way, she received support from PNM Mekaar officers—affectionately known as “big sisters in white and blue”. She also found a space to share and encourage fellow mothers.

For Wulan, the efforts she undertook were not just about survival. There was a future for her children that she wanted to secure. “I chose not to give up. We work not only for ourselves, but for our children and family,” she said. She described PNM’s support as a crucial part in overcoming those difficult times.

Gradually, changes began to take effect. From the proceeds of selling citrus leaves, she is now able to fund the education of her two children and build a house. She has also developed other businesses, such as ironing services and on-call catering, as additional sources of income.

This story illustrates that empowerment is not solely about access to capital. Support and communal learning spaces are factors that also play a determining role. In the field, such experiences depict how PNM supports ultra-micro enterprises while opening opportunities for customers to grow.

PNM’s Corporate Secretary, Dodot Patria Ary, stated that Wulan’s story reflects the resilience of underprivileged women when provided with continuous support. According to him, every mother has the potential to develop and become the main pillar of the family.

PNM, Dodot said, will continue to promote empowerment programmes so that customers can not only run businesses but also strengthen family economies. For the company, the small steps taken by these mothers in the field are part of the effort towards a more prosperous life.