Crisp Independence: Transforming Local Fungi into Economic Hope in Saung Dadi

Sulastri •

East Ogan Komering Ulu — In the tranquil corners of Saung Dadi Village, situated within the Buay Pemuka Peliung district of East Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU Timur), a distinct savory aroma wafts from a modest kitchen, signaling a hive of productive activity. Here, amidst thin plumes of smoke, two resilient women, Mrs. Sulastri and Mrs. Yuli Hastuti, are diligently engaged in sorting fresh oyster mushrooms harvested by local farmers. Who would have imagined that from their capable hands, simple agricultural produce would be transmuted into a delectable and profitable snack? This culinary innovation was not a product of happenstance. Mrs. Sulastri, the chairperson and founder, vividly recalls a time when the village's mushroom harvest was abundant yet economically undervalued due to market volatility and the commodity's short shelf life. "It is a pity to see these beautiful mushrooms wither away simply because they remain unsold in the market," Mrs. Sulastri remarked, highlighting the urgent need for a value-added solution. Driven by this concern, she collaborated with Mrs. Yuli Hastuti—who is also active in the village's Family Welfare Empowerment (TP-PKK) and local administration—to formulate a sustainable strategy. On April 27, 2023, they formally established "UMKM BOLODEWE". The nomenclature is significant; "Bolodewe" embodies the deep-rooted philosophy of unity and kinship inherent to the Saung Dadi community. The enterprise began processing raw mushrooms obtained from Saung Dadi farmers into a product with significant economic potential. The result is "Crispy Mushroom" (Jamur Crispy), a savory snack that resolves the issue of spoilage while creating a new revenue stream. The production of Crispy Mushrooms transcends mere culinary endeavor; for Saung Dadi Village, the enterprise pioneered by these two women stands as a symbol of creative economic empowerment. The initiative delivers a threefold impact on the local ecosystem : 1. Agricultural Absorption: It provides a safety net for local agriculture by ensuring mushroom farmers have a consistent and reliable buyer for their harvest. 2. Employment Generation: The production process actively involves local housewives, creating new employment opportunities within the community. 3. Village Identity: It is gradually establishing Saung Dadi as a recognized hub for innovative mushroom processing, giving the village a distinct commercial identity. Through UMKM BOLODEWE, Mrs. Sulastri and Mrs. Yuli Hastuti have demonstrated that with innovation and a spirit of togetherness, a rural community can cultivate its own path to economic resilience

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