Nastar Village in Tangerang Becomes Income Source for Local Residents Ahead of Eid
TANGERANG – The home-based dry cake manufacturing cluster known as Nastar Village on Gang Merpati, Jalan H. Unus, North Larangan, Larangan, Tangerang City, functions not merely as a production facility for dry cakes but also as an income source for surrounding residents.
One of the business operators at Nastar Village, Sri Kusmiati (62), stated that the cake business she established in 1997 now creates employment opportunities for local residents. On ordinary days, approximately five workers assist with production at her facility. However, during peak demand seasons, the workforce can increase to dozens of people.
She explained that the 30 workers she employs are predominantly housewives residing near her production site.
Sri believes that the presence of the home-based cake business at Nastar Village provides income not only for herself as the business owner but also for surrounding residents. “It greatly helps our economy here. Not just for me, but also for friends who work here,” she said.
Production of cakes at her facility typically increases significantly approaching Eid.
Meanwhile, Sri Mulyani (58), owner of Mysha Cookies business, stated that the dry cake business she established in 2012 can absorb dozens of workers from the surrounding neighbourhood during peak demand periods. “During regular seasons only about three people help with production. But when approaching Eid or Chinese New Year, we can have 14 people working here,” said Sri Mulyani when met at her production house recently.
Like Sri Kusmiati, the increase in workforce at her dry cake production facility is predominantly comprised of housewives residing around the village. They are typically involved when cake orders increase approaching the festive season. During peak seasons, cake production can reach dozens to hundreds of dozens per day.
Not only that, under certain circumstances, workers even work overtime until midnight to fulfil orders. “When it is busy, we start from 7 in the morning until midnight. A day can produce about 10 dozens or more, depending on orders,” said Sri Mulyani. “During cake production season, almost all the women here participate in work,” said Sri Mulyani.
Their work positions vary, with some assigned to prepare batter, glaze and apply toppings, mould batter, bake, and package finished dry cakes into containers.