Innovation

Ika Kartika, the owner of Keke Busana, has a mission to contribute to improving the livelihood of the community, especially in empowering women and improving education in Pura Bojong Gede Village. Through the business, Ika wants to share her experiences as a woman herself, about leadership and being independent, with the women in her surroundings. She stated, “Being an entrepreneur is not about having talent, nor due to heredity.” She believes that everyone can be successful in his or her own uniqueness, and it is not limited to gender. She trains and employs women in their skills and attitudes. Since most of the female employees worked as household assistants prior to joining the company, Ika created an empowerment model in which they can work at home in their spare time; thus, it does not disturb their prior tasks. Their jobs usually include packaging, sewing, ironing, and quality control. They receive payment weekly, based on the quality and quantity of the final products. This model encourages them to become individuals who benefit their families and shapes their mindsets to be independent women as well as to be responsible.

Furthermore, Ika contributes to improving education. In 2014 she created “Rumah Tahfiz Darul Mansur,” which is a small school located in Pura Bojong Gede Village. Its mission is to provide quality education and empower young people for a better future. The teachers are university students who were trained to give lessons based on their expertise, and the courses are totally free. For every piece of Keke Busana clothing sold, 500 rupiah is donated to the foundation. The school offers a variety of lessons, including general knowledge, English, computers, mathematics, and graphic design. The courses are available for elementary students to adults. Through this foundation, Ika hopes to improve the livelihood and welfare of the community, especially for young people who are less fortunate and not able to continue their studies in formal schools.

Inspiration

It all started in 1998, when the Asian financial crisis hit Indonesia. Ika was one of the people who lost their jobs due to the crisis. After that, she started trying various ways to survive and earn money. Inspired by her two little daughters, she seized the opportunity of Mulism clothing for kids in the market and started designing her own clothing line for children in 2006. She then realized that there were many less fortunate people in her surroundings; due to their economic and living conditions, it was very difficult for them to get proper jobs. The main livelihood of the people in Pura Bojong Gede Village was working as farmers, household assistants, and laborers. There was also a high level of crime because not many of them were lucky enough to get a proper education. Thinking about the future of her two daughters and many other children who would grow up in the community, Ika was inspired to contribute to improving the livelihood of the less fortunate, especially in her community, both economically and mentally. “I believe that a better system and environment will build a better mindset, leading to a better future generation,” she added.

Overall impact

Keke Busana has shown a good attitude toward sustainable development. The business has implemented a business model on the basis of profit, people, and planet. Starting with empowering the community, especially women, the business contributes to improving education within the community. According to Ika, the positive impacts are perceived by not only the employees, but also the people in its surroundings. For instance, Ika stated, “As most employees are now able to have their own transportation vehicles (motorcycles), those fuel sellers are positively affected by the increased demand and profit.” Similarly, “People started to open up small restaurants or stores around the factory.” Besides, the levels of crime in the village have dropped; thus, it is visible that the overall economy has been improving. Furthermore, the foundation Rumah Tahfiz Darul Mansur has now taught over 300 students since its establishment, showing a greater interest of young people in getting quality education to shape their skills according to their passions.

Business benefit

Keke Busana has become a source of income for people who live in Pura Bojong Gede. The innovation has positively impacted the business since it increases the community's trust and support of the business. There has been increased awareness of women's empowerment and independence. As people have more confidence in what they can do, more people are willing to work when there are extra orders. Besides, the familial culture that is built within the business environment has brought benefits, as people are not merely working to earn money, but also to enhance the relationships between them. They are more willing to help each other when difficulties occur. There has also been a significant decline in the level of crime; thus, the peaceful and friendly work environment can be maintained.

Social and environmental benefit

The company has employed approximately 1,000 people, of which 90% are locals in the village. People who previously did not have proper jobs due to lack of confidence and skills are now able to earn enough money to support their families. As individuals now have a better mindset and their livelihoods are starting to improve economically, most parents are now able to send their children to school to get a proper education. Furthermore, the business is now on the journey toward a "zero waste" operation. The remaining materials from making products are given to the employees, who transform them into other household goods such as floor mats or handicrafts to be sold or used in their daily lives.

Interview

Ika Kartika, Owner, Keke Busana