PNM Mekaar customer Amaliyah in Bojonegara District, Serang Regency, has initiated waste processing from her home cake business. Through Bank Sampah MATA, she involves 86 community members and reduced waste to landfill from 900 kg to 400 kg per month.
Amaliyah started her home-based Amalia Kitchen business in 2019. In 2023, she received empowerment from PNM Mekaar, including additional capital, mentoring, and training that boosted her business capacity. Waste from cake production is processed into products like aroma therapy and ecobrick sofas.
She invited local mothers to sort waste similarly, leading to the creation of Bank Sampah MATA (Masigit Asri Tanpa Sampah) in Kampung Masigit. The bank has 86 members who deposit waste and receive payment per kilogram. Part of the profits is set aside for the poor and orphans.
"I never imagined that starting with housewives collecting trash in casual clothes, it would lead to becoming a Mekaarpreneur champion. Alhamdulillah, from this simple activity, I can share and benefit others," said Amaliyah.
PNM Corporate Secretary L. Dodot Patria Ary praised the initiative. "From simple things, a home kitchen, broad impacts can emerge, not only strengthening family economies but also fostering social care and environmental preservation," he stated.
The initiative has reduced Kampung Masigit's waste sent to landfill from 900 kg to 400 kg monthly, creating new economic opportunities for the community.