Each year on May 20th, Indonesia celebrates National Awakening Day, a historic milestone marking the nation’s collective awareness to rise and build a better future. The founding of Budi Utomo in 1908 was more than a political or educational movement; it was a symbol of the people’s resolve to shape their own destiny through self-reliance.
Today, that same spirit lives on, not through armed resistance, but through the economic struggles and aspirations of the people. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country have become the new vanguard of this awakening.
In Indonesia’s national economic landscape, MSMEs form an irreplaceable backbone. Amid global economic volatility and recurring crises, these enterprises have remained resilient and in many cases, continued to thrive. They serve as the frontline in maintaining the economic stability of grassroots communities, generating employment, and sustaining local economies.
A compelling example of this spirit can be found in Probolinggo Regency, specifically in Gazal Hamlet, Kota Anyar Village, Kota Anyar District. There, a humble enterprise known as Gazal Makmur has taken root and grown steadily.
Gazal Makmur: From Cassava to Community Hope
Gazal Makmur is a home-based business specializing in the production of cassava chips. Since its establishment in 2014, the enterprise has become a vital source of income for its owners and surrounding community members. What began as a simple process of slicing, frying, and packaging cassava for sale at local stalls, has grown into a dependable livelihood.
Despite relying on manual production processes, Gazal Makmur has maintained consistent operations. Packaging is still done traditionally using fire-heated sealers. Equipment limitations pose ongoing challenges, particularly in terms of extending product shelf life and improving visual appeal for wider markets.
Yet, it is precisely these limitations that highlight the spirit of true resilience. The owners continue to produce regularly, involving family members and employing local residents. On a modest scale, Gazal Makmur has become a local economic driver. It is a tangible example of how MSMEs embody the enduring spirit of national revival.
Social Impact and Development Challenges
Beyond food production, Gazal Makmur fosters social values. Local housewives often participate in the production and packaging process. In addition to earning supplemental income, they gain a sense of purpose and inclusion in productive activities like contributing to stronger social cohesion at the village level.
However, the enterprise also faces significant hurdles. One of the main challenges lies in the lack of access to modern processing and packaging equipment. Manual operations restrict production capacity and limit opportunities to improve product quality. With better tools and training, Gazal Makmur’s potential for growth would be substantial.
Market access is another major constraint. Although the cassava chips produced by Gazal Makmur are flavorful and competitive, limited marketing strategies have prevented them from reaching a broader audience. This is where the support of government institutions and other stakeholders is crucial, to provide mentorship and connect enterprises like Gazal Makmur with stronger distribution networks.
MSMEs and the Nation’s Economic Revival
The story of Gazal Makmur mirrors that of countless other MSMEs across Indonesia and quietly persevering without media spotlight, yet creating real impact at the grassroots level. These businesses create jobs, alleviate poverty, and strengthen food security through local production.
In reflecting on the meaning of National Awakening Day, we are invited to reconsider the idea of “awakening.” It is no longer solely about liberation from colonial rule, but also from economic dependency, poverty, and limitations. In this context, MSMEs represent a new frontier of national struggle, worthy of recognition and concrete support.
Supporting MSMEs in Indonesia goes beyond providing financial assistance. It requires long-term commitment in the form of mentorship, access to technology, legal compliance guidance, and market networking. With consistent and strategic backing, home industries like Gazal Makmur can scale into national-level producers.
Embracing the Future with the Spirit of Gazal Makmur
Gazal Makmur has proven that even from a small rural hamlet, the flame of national awakening can shine brightly. Through persistence, risk-taking, and community cooperation, this enterprise contributes to building a more self-reliant national economy.
As we commemorate National Awakening Day, it is worth taking a closer look at the pivotal role MSMEs play in shaping a sovereign and sustainable future for Indonesia. Ultimately, MSMEs are not just an economic sector, they are the heartbeat of communities striving to move forward together.
In the journey of Gazal Makmur’s development, PT Paiton Energy has played an active role as a strategic partner through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. By providing ongoing support and empowerment initiatives, PT Paiton Energy has contributed not only through training and equipment, but also by bridging the gap between local potential and access to markets and modern technologies.
This partnership illustrates how collaboration between the private sector and MSMEs can serve as a catalyst for accelerating grassroots economic revival.
Today, the spirit of National Awakening is no longer confined to historical figures of the past. It lives on through real actions from cassava chip entrepreneurs in small villages to large energy companies empowering local communities. All are working with a shared commitment: to rise together for a stronger, more independent Indonesia.
