Working in later life comes with challenges, but for Saripa, a mother of three from Warloka Pesisir Village in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, age has never been a barrier to innovation. With resilience and creativity, she has turned limitations into opportunities, proving that women, regardless of age, can be powerful drivers of community change.
Learning, Innovating, and Leading
For years, Saripa sold raw fish door-to-door, walking from one village to another from morning until late afternoon. As her strength began to fade, she realised this way of working was no longer sustainable. Instead of giving up, she asked herself: “What else can I do?”
Her answer came from a fish that no one wanted. Known locally as ikan buaya because of its crocodile-shaped head, this fish was often discarded by fishers and avoided by locals. But Saripa saw potential where others saw waste. She began processing it into shredded dried fish (abon), discovering along the way that it not only had commercial value but was also beneficial for health — with claims that consuming 100 grams daily could speed up recovery after surgery.
What began as a personal solution to an age-related challenge soon grew into something bigger: a spark that would inspire community-based enterprise.
Support that Unlocks Potential
Although her product was promising, Saripa lacked the skills and networks to market it effectively. That was when the PEKA IKLIM (Strengthening Climate Resilience) programme arrived in her village. Led by Yayasan Bintari in collaboration with Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) South and Southeast Asia, the programme aimed to build sustainable tourism while strengthening local economies and protecting the environment.
“Back in 2022, I joined the PEKA IKLIM sessions. There were several focus areas, including small businesses. That’s when we formed the Warloka Aneka Rasa MSME group,” Saripa recalled. “Through the programme, we were given guidance, equipment, and support. It’s impossible to scale up production alone — but together, with the right tools and knowledge, it became achievable.”
With her eagerness to learn, Saripa expanded her product range beyond abon ikan buaya. She developed smoked fish chilli paste, shredded grouper, and mango pickle. With each innovation, her confidence grew, and so did her vision: this was no longer just about making ends meet, but about building a resilient, empowered community enterprise.
Recognition and Growth
The turning point came when the group joined Golokoe, a local cultural festival. Their stall drew overwhelming interest, and they quickly ran out of stock. Soon after, they began supplying local souvenir shops, including Exotic, a well-known outlet in the region.
“Alhamdulillah, the response was amazing. At first, we only supplied smoked fish chilli paste. Next month, we will add shredded fish products. Now, every time there’s an exhibition, we’re invited,” she said proudly.
Today, the Warloka Aneka Rasa MSME group has stronger production capacity, expanded markets, and official product recognition through intellectual property rights. Their story demonstrates how community enterprises, led by determined individuals like Saripa, can achieve sustainable growth when given the right support and opportunities.
Facing Challenges Together
Like any journey, there were obstacles. “In the beginning, it was hard to stay united. But with shared commitment, we found ways forward,” Saripa explained. “Forming an MSME group takes patience and perseverance, but if you hold on, it leads to something greater.”
Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Time is money. If we spend our days sitting and gossiping, what do we gain?”
With that spirit, she continues to drive not only her own enterprise but also the empowerment of her peers. For Saripa, success is not measured by personal gain alone, but by how much her community grows alongside her.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Thanks to her courage to innovate, willingness to learn, and the collective power of community, Saripa has transformed a rejected fish into a source of livelihood and pride. Her journey with PEKA IKLIM and the Warloka Aneka Rasa MSME group shows how local knowledge, when nurtured with the right support, can lead to sustainable change.
As she looks to the future, Saripa remains committed: “This is just the beginning. I want to keep strengthening the capacity of people around me — because when we grow together, the impact lasts far beyond ourselves.”
