Ahead of Eid: Seribu Islands Home-Based Bakers See Profit Boost
Reported by Anita Karyati | Translated by Nugroho Adibrata
Ahead of Eid al-Fitr, home-based Eid cookie businesses owned by Seribu Islands residents are gaining momentum. The community is seizing the end-of-Ramadan period to boost family income while meeting the demand for cookies, which are synonymous with the holiday celebrations.
Thankfully, demand has grown this year
Juriah (36), who lives on Pramuka Island, North Seribu Islands, has been pursuing her Eid cookie venture since 2007. She noted, she remains consistent in serving her customers' holiday orders every year.
This owner of Yasmin Cake and Cookies stated that sales of her homemade cookies have increased compared to the previous year. By mid-Ramadan, orders had already surpassed 500 jars.
Ramadan Blessings for Takjil Sellers"Thankfully, demand has grown this year. Last year we sold over 400 jars, but now it has reached more than 500," she expressed, Tuesday (3/17).
She explained that she produces approximately 10 varieties of cookies to meet customer demand. These include pineapple tarts (nastar), "snow white" powdered sugar cookies (putri salju), cheese cookies (kastengel), chocolate balls, original and chocolate spritz cookies (semprit), sago cheese cookies, chocolate sticks, and her newest addition this year, cat’s tongue cookies (lidah kucing).
"Nastar remains the bestseller as it is the most popular choice among buyers. Thankfully, my new menu item, lidah kucing, has also been an immediate hit with customers," she explained.
Juriah leverages simple social media platforms like WhatsApp to market her goods, successfully netting over 150 customers, primarily loyal regulars.
Remarkably, she has decided to maintain her current prices—ranging from Rp 40,000 to Rp 65,000 per jar—despite the increasing cost of ingredients
"Ingredients are more expensive now, but I've kept my prices the same. A thin profit is fine, provided that the customers are satisfied," she explained.
Through this seasonal business, Juriah is able to net nearly Rp 10 million every Eid. She utilizes the profit for business reinvestment, personal savings, and charitable giving.
"I am truly grateful and would like to thank all the loyal customers who have ordered my cookies," she added.
A similar sentiment was shared by Fitri Novianti (32), a resident of Panggang Island who has been running her Eid cookie business under the brand Juna Cookies since 2017. She produces several Eid favorites, such as nastar, putri salju, and kastengel.
She explained that her sales are conducted through a pre-order (PO) system, which typically opens at the start of Ramadan. The production process then begins in the middle of the fasting month to meet customer orders.
"Every time I open pre-orders, there are always buyers. Currently, I have around 20 to 30 regular customers," she noted.
Marketing is done via social media platforms like Facebook, with jars priced between Rp 65,000 and Rp 70,000. She uses premium ingredients to guarantee consistent taste and quality.
Despite rising ingredient costs, Fitri noted the increase has not forced a price hike.
"Quality is our priority to keep our customers' trust," she admitted.
She generates a turnover of around Rp 3 million to Rp 4 million every Eid holiday. To boost her earnings, she also sells donuts and trendy drinks daily alongside her cookie production.
"Hopefully, my business keeps expanding and annual sales continue to rise," she stated.
