Astuti turns leftover oyster mushrooms into a business in Penajam
The processed-food venture has also led this PNM Mekaar customer to head waste-bank clustering in Kampung Madani, Waru.
Astuti, a PNM Mekaar customer in Penajam, East Kalimantan, turns unsold oyster mushrooms into processed products so they do not go to waste. From a simple kitchen, she developed Jamur Krispi and Stik Jamur, extending shelf life while adding value to the harvest. Astuti says the effort began as a way to prevent crops from being thrown away, then grew into a source of income for her family and a benefit for the surrounding environment. As her business expanded, she was later trusted to lead the Waste Bank Clustering in Kampung Madani, Waru. PNM President Director Kindaris said financing for ultra-micro entrepreneurs needs to be paired with mentoring so businesses do not stop at access to capital, but can move up and strengthen family welfare.