Indonesia
Case Studies - Introduction
We have been working in Indonesia with our partners the GERHATI Foundation since 2005 and, as of the end of 2007, we are serving 479 small enterprises.
The Stioempuls Family
The Stioempuls are one example of a family in need of a loan. Mr. Stioempuls is employed as a taxi driver in Jakarta but he does not earn enough even to cover the rent of a house for his family. On a good day he makes $5 to $6, sometimes working 48 hours continuously. To generate extra income, the family stuffs filling into colourful mats used for sleeping
A retail agent sells them the mats. Income based on the number of mats they fill may reach $50 per month. A loan from Five Talents partner GERHATI will allow the family to buy the mats directly at wholesale price, increasing their profit. The loan programme will also mean that many families like this one will not be enslaved by the street money-lenders and credit cooperatives that charge 20% in interest each month, compared to 3% for the Five Talents loan.
Nanay Jon-Anne
Nanay Jon-Anne started her own business called Gregmen Balloons, selling balloons and renting tables and chairs for special events. However, she struggled as other similar businesses came to the area, and it became hard to keep her children at school. This changed when she took a loan from Five Talents that allowed her to expand her inventory and compete with the other businesses.
She has since seen a marked improvement in her business and, after having met with some Five Talents staff to develop a business plan, she is keen to expand her services into event planning.