Ramadan and Lebaran: Growth Season for Micro and Small Enterprises in Mining Regions
Jakarta — Ramadan through Lebaran consistently marks a season of opportunity for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Indonesia, including those operating in mining regions. Heightened demand during this period increases the appeal of locally crafted products.
Beyond boosting revenues and market expansion, Ramadan and Lebaran represent a milestone in the journey of building enterprises from small-scale household operations to those capable of serving wider markets.
One such example is Hera, 53, owner of the Mirrando brand from Bangka Belitung. Her company produces specialty citrus syrup and jelly candy using jeruk kunci (key lime) native to the region. What began as a simple experiment in her home kitchen, making use of key limes abundant in her neighbourhood, evolved into a signature product distinguished by its fresh, tart flavour profile. The early years, however, presented significant obstacles: limited capital, minimal marketing capability and restricted market access posed major challenges.
The situation improved markedly after Hera became a mentee of PT Timah (Persero) Tbk. Through their structured business mentoring programme, she gained access to rotating capital, financial management training, digital marketing support and opportunities to participate in product exhibitions. “Previously, I handled everything myself. Now, when orders surge before Lebaran, we are far better prepared,” she said during a press briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.
Similar optimism is evident in Rosi Fitriani, owner of FnR Craft, a mentee enterprise of PT Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk. Rosi transforms South Sumatran traditional textiles—including songket and jumputan hand-tie dye fabrics—into ethnic handbags distinguished by high-value artistic design. Through PTBA’s mentorship, FnR Craft has received design curation, product quality improvements and promotion at various exhibitions. Gradually, her ethnic handbags have gained wider recognition and have successfully penetrated markets in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.
“PTBA’s mentorship has instilled the confidence we needed to enter corporate and international markets,” Rosi said.