Challenges don’t always bring misfortune. Some people choose to rise and help others, just like Ekandari Sulistyaningsih, known as Ekan, who has been assisting many micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by the pandemic through Dapur Nyawiji since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Ekan is a graduate of the UGM Faculty of Psychology (Psychology UGM). During her time at UGM, Ekan enjoyed activities outside the campus. Instead of joining on-campus student organizations, Ekan spent much of her time volunteering at various NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations).
Ekan began her career as an office worker in 2010. She led a nomadic life as she moved from city to city in Indonesia, including Jakarta, Surabaya, and other major cities. In 2017, she quit her office job for family reasons.
In the same year, Ekan started a homestay business named Ndalem Mangunsudiran to revive her family home. This homestay opened new business opportunities for Ekan. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Ndalem Mangunsudiran became dormant.
Despite the halting business, Ekan did not lay off her staff. She heard many stories from her staff about their difficulties during the pandemic. Their heartfelt stories moved Ekan to help those around her. She gradually began assisting those impacted by the pandemic, which was when Dapur Nyawiji was born.
Dapur Nyawiji started when Ekan was entrusted with managing aid for people who were in self-isolation. Ekan realized that uncoordinated aid would be ineffective. Additionally, she helped small traders affected by the pandemic by providing training to add value to the products they sold.
According to Ekan, Dapur Nyawiji is a platform where kitchens in her community unite to revive the stalled economy.
“Dapur Nyawiji unites many kitchens, including reviving and unifying the economic kitchens affected by the pandemic,” Ekan said in an interview for KAGAMA BICARA #1.
With the goal of inclusion, Ekan considers her colleagues at Dapur Nyawiji to be business partners, not staff. This inclusive approach creates a more collaborative and empowering work environment.
Everyone feels valued and plays an important role in Dapur Nyawiji’s success and growth. The inclusive environment is evident because most of Ekan’s colleagues are women.
Some products sold at Dapur Nyawiji include local tea (loose-leaf tea), coffee, traditional snacks, cookies, meatballs, and gudeg. Non-consumable products such as tote bags and batik are also sold at Dapur Nyawiji.
Through her various initiatives, Ekan revives the local economy and provides training and support to MSMEs to improve the quality and value of their products. This helps small business owners survive and thrive during difficult times. Dapur Nyawiji is an example of a community that can unite and collaborate to support and strengthen each other in times of crisis.