West Sumbawa, 22 April 2026 – Across West Nusa Tenggara, from West Sumbawa and Sumbawa to East Lombok, lie stories of resilience from the hands of community members who refuse to stand still. This is more than a story of selling products; it is a journey of transformation—of how home-based businesses in small kitchens are now confidently gracing international storefronts.
Through the community development and empowerment programs initiated by PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMMAN), one of Indonesia's largest copper and gold mining companies, MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise) players in these regions have proven that with the right guidance, local potential can become a sustainable and impactful global force.
Ibu Zakia & Bakso Emak Seteluk: Bringing Home to Foreign Lands
For the people of Seteluk District, West Sumbawa, Ibu Zakia is the figure behind the warmth of Bakso Emak (Mother’s Meatballs). However, reaching this point was no instant feat. She recalls the early days when her business only circulated within her neighborhood, using plain plastic packaging without an identity.
“Back then, the biggest challenge was letting people know our meatballs had a sincere taste. Our reach felt limited because our marketing was stuck in one place,” Ibu Zakia shared.
The turning point came when she joined AMMAN’s training program. There, she learned that business is not just about taste, but also about "the face" of the brand. With a touch of branding and digital management, Bakso Emak has now expanded its wings to Hong Kong. There, it serves as a cure for homesickness for Indonesians and a new culinary attraction for locals.
"Seeing our meatballs sell out at much higher prices in Hong Kong was a heart-stirring moment," she recalled. Now, the impact has come full circle. Foreign tourists often intentionally detour to Seteluk just to taste the meatballs directly from the source. Furthermore, Ibu Zakia's business now employs 10 single mothers, enabling them to fund their children's education.
Ibu Fitria & Bale Seafood: Ikan Bage’ Crossing Continents
Moving to the coast of Labuhan Jontal, Sumbawa, Ibu Fitria has successfully tapped into the massive potential right in her backyard. From an initial production of 5 kg, she now processes up to 40 kg of Ikan Bage’ (Sumbawa’s signature salted fish) in every production cycle.
A real transformation occurred when Ibu Fitria joined the Bale Berdaya program by AMMAN. The intensive mentoring she received was like having a personal business consultant. Her products evolved from simple thin plastic containers to elegant, durable vacuum aluminum foil packaging—the key to keeping the products fresh despite traveling thousands of kilometers.
"The quality of our Ikan Bage' has proven capable of crossing national borders. Currently, we routinely ship stock to Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan through our reseller network," said Ibu Fitria.
This international breakthrough began with the power of networking. In Malaysia and Singapore, the product entered through community channels longing for the authentic flavors of the Plampang coast. This success proves that proper packaging and rebranding can transform a traditional product into a premium souvenir sought after by the world.
Ibu Saehun & Black Garlic: Garlic Diplomacy on the Global Table
At the foot of Mount Rinjani, East Lombok, magic is happening through Ibu Saehun and her processed Black Garlic. Once sold in ordinary transparent bags, her pride-and-joy product now sits side-by-side with famous brands in major supermarkets. Through the Bale Berdaya program, she learned that honesty and administrative discipline are the foundations of success.
A moving moment occurred when tourists from Mexico and Russia tasted the product and immediately offered partnerships. Their positive response is proof that Sembalun’s local garlic holds high added value in the eyes of the world.
"My big dream is that through this Black Garlic, Sembalun garlic can regain its glory and bring prosperity to local farmers. If you fall once, get up ten times," Ibu Saehun said with passion.
Beyond business, Ibu Saehun’s enterprise empowers everyone from the elderly to local university graduates, ensuring that economic progress is felt by all layers of society in East Lombok.
Sowing Seeds, Harvesting Sustainability
The success of Ibu Zakia, Ibu Fitria, and Ibu Saehun is tangible evidence that AMMAN’s community development and empowerment programs are more than just temporary aid. It is a sustainable transformation effort touching the most fundamental aspects: mentality, legality (business and product), and market access.
By providing the "tools" and the "map" through branding, digitalization, and business governance training, AMMAN has helped these MSME players turn challenges into international opportunities. This is the new face of Indonesian MSMEs—not only proud of their local roots but also confident in stepping onto the world stage, creating a brighter and more sustainable future for their communities.
