Trader achieves threefold revenue increase after mentoring through Baznas' Z-Ifthar programme

Z-Ifthar serves as a platform for beneficiaries to demonstrate that their products are of high quality and in demand by the wider market.

Jakarta (ANTARA) — Sri Mulyati, a fried chicken vendor and beneficiary under the National Zakat Agency (Baznas) of the Republic of Indonesia’s Z-Ifthar Ramadan programme in the Arrahmah Mosque area, Cengkareng, West Jakarta, has achieved a threefold increase in her business revenue.

Sri, who is also a recipient of Baznas’ entrepreneurship support scheme for her fried chicken business branded Z-Chicken, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity given by Baznas to sell in a location far busier than her usual trading spot.

“Alhamdulillah, during this bazaar I have been able to sell approximately 30 to 50 pieces of fried chicken daily. My revenue reaches between Rp500,000 to Rp900,000 per day. That is a significant difference compared to selling in front of my house, which usually only brings in Rp200,000 to Rp300,000,” Sri Mulyati stated in Jakarta on Monday.

Sri noted that this income increase not only supports her family’s economy but also boosts her confidence.

“Participation in this bazaar has made my business more known to people. I am now more motivated to expand Z-Chicken in the future,” said Sri Mulyati.

Responding to this success, Saidah Sakwan, Head of Distribution and Empowerment at Baznas RI, emphasised that this achievement is concrete evidence of the effectiveness of zakat funds in transforming people’s lives.

According to her, Z-Ifthar serves as a platform for beneficiaries to demonstrate that their products are of high quality and in demand by the wider market.

“Our primary objective is transformation, from beneficiary to contributor. Madam Sri’s courage in participating in the bazaar and managing the surge in demand is an initial step towards independence,” she said.

Baznas RI launched the Z-Ifthar programme as a means of consolidating and expanding market access for micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) entrepreneurs mentored by Baznas during the holy month of Ramadan at 30 locations spread across 27 cities throughout Indonesia.

Z-Chicken is a Baznas economic empowerment programme that provides working capital, cart equipment and training in management and taste standards to disadvantaged communities so they can achieve dignified and sustainable income.