How Nursery Work Empowers Rural Mothers Across West Kalimantan
Behind the millions of healthy saplings thriving at PT Mayawana Persada’s plant nursery in Simpang Hulu, local mothers are turning daily silvicultural work into family stability and higher education for their children.
KETAPANG, WEST KALIMANTAN — Amid the verdant rows of millions of young trees at PT Mayawana Persada’s central plant nursery in Simpang Hulu District, the quiet dedication of local mothers drives daily operations. For neighboring communities, the establishment of this propagation hub has unlocked transformative economic opportunities right at their doorstep.
Women who previously managed domestic chores alone or occasionally assisted on family farms now earn regular monthly incomes. Rather than remaining on the economic sidelines, they have stepped up as core breadwinners strengthening their families' financial foundations.
Breaking Generational Hurdles Through Steady Livelihoods
Among them is Diana (39), a resident of Sekucing Labai Village who has nurtured saplings at the facility for nearly seven years. Her steady role at the nursery has transformed her household economy, easing the financial burden previously carried solely by her husband, an agricultural laborer.
"Before Mayawana arrived, I was just a homemaker who occasionally helped my husband in the fields. Today, I have a stable job here despite holding only a primary school certificate," Diana shares with visible pride.
Through disciplined work and prudent savings, Diana has purchased a family motorcycle, modern communications devices, and essential study materials, while fully funding tuition for her eldest child in vocational high school (SMK) and her youngest in primary school.
"We no longer struggle to cover school expenses, and we never have to turn to informal lenders just to keep our children in class," Diana notes.
Alleviating Household Burdens and Building Food Security
A similar journey of resilience is shared by Crispina Ika (40), a mother of three who joined the propagation facility three years ago.
"In the past, our household depended entirely on my husband's irregular earnings. Since joining Mayawana, I can reliably share household expenses. At the very least, putting nutritious food on the table is something we never have to worry about anymore," says Ika.
Through their meticulous care, millions of resilient seedlings are raised to restore and sustain working landscapes across Borneo. In turn, these dedicated women keep their kitchens running, secure their families' well-being, and build brighter educational futures for their children within their home region.
FAQ
How does PT Mayawana Persada support gender inclusivity and women's employment?
The company offers accessible, equal-opportunity employment at its Simpang Hulu nursery, welcoming rural women regardless of formal educational credentials and equipping them with professional silviculture and seedling management skills.
What direct social benefits do nursery workers experience?
Employees receive stable, competitive wages that allow them to secure household food supplies, purchase essential transport and communications assets, and consistently fund their children's schooling up to secondary and vocational graduation without borrowing.
Where is this plant nursery located?
The nursery facility is situated in Simpang Hulu District, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, recruiting the vast majority of its workforce from adjacent rural settlements such as Sekucing Labai Village.
