PANGKALPINANG -- From a small dead-end alley on Fatmawati Street, Kampak Tua Tunu Indah, Pangkalpinang, the aroma of savory fried sweet corn marks the inspiring story of a resilient woman named Asriyani (46). She is the woman behind the success of “Keripik Jagung Asri,” a healthy and crispy corn snack that is now gaining popularity beyond the region.
The business began in 2018, when Asri experimented with turning sweet corn into a unique family snack. What started as a simple idea has now grown into one of the leading MSME products of Bangka Belitung.
“It started when I was challenged to create a family-friendly food made from corn. Usually, people just boil corn, but I tried shelling it, crushing it, drying it, then frying and seasoning it. It turned out to be delicious and savory,” Asri recalled with a smile.
However, her journey was not always smooth. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, production came to a complete halt. Asri admitted that it was the most difficult period for her business.
“During the pandemic, we completely stopped production. We couldn’t sell or ship our products—everything just collapsed,” she said.
Despite the setback, Asri’s spirit remained unbroken. She bounced back after becoming a foster partner of PT TIMAH Tbk. Support through revolving capital, training, and opportunities to join MSME exhibitions and bazaars became the turning point for her recovery.
“Alhamdulillah, after becoming a partner of PT TIMAH Tbk, my business started to thrive again. I received financial assistance, production equipment, and even got invited to exhibitions outside the city. That’s how my product started to gain recognition,” Asri said gratefully.
Today, her production capacity has increased significantly. From initially processing only 1–2 kilograms of corn per day, she can now produce up to 50 kilograms daily. During the festive season, demand can surge to as high as 700 kilograms.
“I used to produce just a small amount, but now, thank God, I can meet larger orders. So I have to keep more stock ready too,” she said.
In addition to selling directly, Asri also works with several resellers to expand her market reach. She actively participates in MSME bazaars and uses social media for promotion.
“Keripik Jagung Asri” now comes in various packaging sizes from 25 grams and 100 grams to 10 kilograms and is available in well-known souvenir shops across Bangka Belitung.
For Asri, being a PT TIMAH Tbk partner is not just about financial assistance, but also about learning and growing through training programs and promotional support.
“I’ve gained so many benefits since becoming a partner of PT TIMAH Tbk. Thank you, PT TIMAH, for inviting me to exhibitions outside the city, MSME bazaars, and for providing production equipment. Alhamdulillah, I also received training for business development and sustainability,” she said.
Asriyani’s journey is proof that success does not come from ease but from perseverance and the right support. From a small alley in Tua Tunu, she has shown that big dreams can grow from a humble kitchen—and with collaboration from PT TIMAH Tbk, those dreams now bloom beautifully, just like the aroma of her signature corn chips. (*)
