PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (SIG) is dedicated to advancing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM), exemplified by Ummi Salamah, the entrepreneur behind Akar Jawi herbal products. Under the guidance of Rumah BUMN (RB) managed by PT Semen Gresik, a SIG subsidiary in Rembang, Central Java, Ummi Salamah's journey reflects SIG's commitment to UMKM development. Initiating Akar Jawi in 2011 with facial masks, Ummi's venture evolved when she innovated herbal drinks in 2013 with an initial capital of IDR 200,000. The recipe, passed down from her mother-in-law, was tailored to Rembang residents' tastes. Joining RB Rembang in 2020 propelled Ummi's success, with her products achieving international acclaim at the Tong Tong Fair exhibition in the Netherlands in 2022. Akar Jawi, now operating from the "Omah Jamu Iqtaja" production house with three employees, offers a diverse range of herbal drinks, including turmeric tamarind, red ginger, and lemongrass ginger. Strategic marketing efforts, both offline and online, expanded Akar Jawi's reach beyond Rembang to regions like Boyolali, Yogyakarta, Magelang, Purwakarta, and even Malaysia through resale partnerships.
Ummi Salamah emphasized the appeal of Akar Jawi's herbal drinks, known for using premium natural ingredients sourced directly from local farmers. The meticulous crystallization process ensures a herbal beverage without sediment, preservatives, or additives, delivering a delightful, fresh, and healthy option. Akar Jawi's success is evident in its remarkable growth, witnessing a fourfold increase in turnover since its inception, now achieving monthly revenues of up to IDR 20 million. RB Rembang, established in 2020, serves as a crucial hub for UMKM empowerment, with 371 mentored partners, all achieving "Naik Kelas" qualification and providing employment for 1,527 workers. Vita Mahreyni, Corporate Secretary of SIG, highlighted RB Rembang's role in UMKM empowerment, contributing to economic growth and equity. She emphasized SIG's commitment to guiding UMKM comprehensively, fostering professionalism, technological literacy, and leveraging digital infrastructure for online marketing. The success of Akar Jawi illustrates how SIG's commitment and RB Rembang's support can catalyze significant growth for UMKM entrepreneurs.
