Ramadan and Lebaran Momentum Driving Growth for Micro and Small Enterprises in Mining Regions
Jakarta — The Ramadan through Lebaran season consistently represents a period brimming with opportunity for micro and small enterprises (UMK) across various regions, including areas surrounding mining operations. Surging demand during this period drives increased interest in locally-rooted products, whilst simultaneously creating opportunities for business operators to boost income, expand markets, and move up the economic ladder.
For many UMK operators, this momentum also marks a significant milestone in building enterprises that scale from modest beginnings to reach substantially wider markets. One such example is Hera, owner of the Mirrando brand, which produces syrup and jelly sweets made from key lime, a signature product of Bangka Belitung.
Hera’s enterprise initially began in her home kitchen, utilising key limes abundant in the surrounding region. From these simple experiments, she created a distinctively sharp, fresh-tasting product that became her trademark. However, the early journey proved challenging due to limited capital, minimal marketing capabilities, and restricted market access.
The situation shifted significantly after Hera became a partner of PT Timah (Persero) Tbk’s mentoring programme. Through this initiative, she gained access to revolving capital, financial management training, digital marketing instruction, and opportunities to participate in various product exhibitions.
With such support, Hera’s enterprise expanded rapidly. She now employs more than a dozen workers involved in production, packaging, and distribution processes. “Initially everything felt like I was doing it alone. Now when orders surge approaching Lebaran, we are far better prepared,” she stated.
Similar optimism comes from Rosi Fitriani, owner of FnR Craft, a mentoring partner of PT Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk. Rosi transforms South Sumatran traditional textiles, such as songket and jumputan, into ethnic handbags with high artistic design value.
Early in her business journey, Rosi faced numerous constraints, from underdeveloped product design to limited marketing networks. Through PTBA mentoring, FnR Craft received comprehensive support, including design curation, product quality standard improvements, and promotion across various exhibitions. Gradually, her ethnic bag products gained wider recognition.
Today, FnR Craft’s creations have penetrated international markets including Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. Rosi is frequently invited to share her experience and skills with other UMK operators.
“PTBA’s mentoring has made us more confident to enter corporate markets and foreign markets,” Rosi said.
For MIND ID Group, the journeys of Hera and Rosi reflect how community economic ecosystems can flourish in mining regions throughout Indonesia.
MIND ID Deputy Executive Director Dany Amrul Ichdan stated that UMK mentoring forms an integral part of efforts to foster inclusive economic growth in regions. MIND ID targets ensuring mentored partners continue advancing and upgrading annually, both in operational capacity and revenue increases.
“We want to ensure our mentored partners do not merely operate businesses, but build sustainable business foundations,” Dany stated.
He added that when local wisdom is strengthened with production capacity, quality standards, and market access, regional products transcend local commodity status. Products can upgrade to become part of broader value chains, even global ones.
“That is where local economic empowerment becomes more than social programming, but rather a strategy for deepening national economic structure,” he continued.
Through various mentoring programmes, MIND ID Group provides support ranging from capital access, business mentoring, packaging and design curation, quality standard improvements, to digital marketing strategy strengthening.
Additionally, MIND ID Group creates market access through various exhibitions, business-to-business (B2B) marketing channels, and curated product outlets.
Such support enables mentored UMK to better manage demand surges, including during the sacred month of Ramadan and Lebaran season, through optimised production planning and distribution management.
This momentum was further leveraged through the participation of 31 MIND ID mentored UMK in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources’ UMKM Bazaar, held from 9 to 11 March 2026. Diverse products were featured, ranging from regional speciality foods, handicrafts and textiles, herbal products, to local souvenirs.
For Hera and Rosi, this event represented an opportunity to expand market networks whilst introducing regional products to significantly broader customers.
“We learned to manage Lebaran orders more systematically. It feels proud when our regional products become souvenirs. This ethnic bag is not only beautiful, but also carries the story of South Sumatra,” Rosi said.
For MIND ID, the vitality of UMK in mining regions during the Lebaran season demonstrates that when business operators’ capacities are strengthened and market access is opened, added value extends beyond the industrial sector alone, but reaches into community life, from family kitchens to becoming souvenirs carrying local wisdom, national heritage, and global recognition.