
ACTNews, LUMAJANG
REGENCY – The volcanic eruption of Mount Semeru has brought a severe impact
on the livelihood of the surrounding communities. Mak Iyah (47) is among those
whose income has been badly affected by the natural disaster. To make ends
meet, she makes and sells woven bamboo baskets and peyek kacang, a traditional Indonesian peanut brittle-like snack.
“Every day, I can
make 50 to 100 packages of peyek kacang that I sell for IDR2,000 per package.
For the woven bamboo baskets, I make around 5 to 7 every day. I sell it for
IDR6,000 per piece," said Mak Iyah, Friday (1/14/2022).
Mak Iyah lives
near Aksi Cepat Tanggap (ACT)’s Humanitarian Command Post in Jarit Village,
Candipuro District, Lumajang Regency. She has been the sole breadwinner of her
family after her husband died 10 years ago.
Apart from selling,
Mak Iyah often works as a farmworker. "Insha Allah, it is enough to
fulfill my family’s needs. I also work as a farmer if someone needs my help,"
she said. She earns IDR35,000 per day from working as a farmworker.
Global Wakaf-ACT
supports Mak Iyah's livelihood by providing business capital assistance through
the Waqf for MSMEs program. Mak Iyah was grateful for this assistance. "I
wish to buy raw materials. Thank you to the benefactors for supporting Global
Wakaf - ACT," said Mak Iyah. []