With help from PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA), the oyster mushroom business in Keban Agung Village, Muara Enim, is reviving after being interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2020, Keban Agung Village's oyster mushroom micro and small enterprises, have joined PTBA's fostered partners, known as the Bukit Asam Industrial Center (SIBA) Mushrooms.
"Our business was put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it stalled. PTBA's Sustainability Team then assisted us. From there we recovered and expanded into processed products," said Chairman of SIBA Mushroom, Rahmawati.
The oyster mushroom business is increasingly developing and expanding into processed products. Rahmawati and her friends process oyster mushrooms into sticks, chips, cireng, and even mushroom dumplings. "PTBA helps with the marketing process through exhibitions, visits from company guests, and so on," Rahmawati said.
With support from PTBA, SIBA Mushroom is expanding its reach by selling online through social media and the PaDi UMKM application. As a result, SIBA Mushroom's revenue has increased 30% since 2020.
"Previously we didn't have many networks. But now we have more connections after becoming PTBA-assisted MSEs. Our turnover has also increased by 30 percent," explained Rahmawati.
According to her, Rumah BUMN Bukit Asam offers regular training to make SIBA Mushrooms become more competitive. "The training provided is according to needs, for example packaging, managerial and digital marketing," she said.
PTBA also supports SIBA Mushrooms in obtaining Home Industry Food (PIRT) license and halal certification. According to Rahmawati, SIBA Mushroom began with only seven members and currently empowers 15 people, 12 of them are housewives.
"We hope that in the future, this mushroom will become one of the icons of Tanjung Enim, supporting the Tanjung Enim City Tourism Program initiated by PTBA and Muara Enim district government," she said.
