When I first heard about Akhmad Sobirin, his journey resonated deeply with me. Coming from a small village, Sobirin set out to make a difference in his community, and his determination is both humbling and inspiring. In some ways, I see a reflection of my own aspirations in his story. I hope that someday, I too can contribute to a cause as significant as his. Sobirin’s work isn’t just about sweetening drinks or foods with palm sugar; it's about transforming lives, promoting sustainable practices, and proving that even a small community can make a global impact.
Sobirin’s story starts in Semedo, a village in Banyumas, where for generations, palm sugar production was the lifeblood of many families. Farmers here relied on traditional methods to produce block-shaped palm sugar, often selling it to middlemen at prices that barely covered the effort it took to make it. Seeing these hardworking people struggle despite their efforts moved Sobirin to take action. Returning to his village after studying Mechanical Engineering at Gadjah Mada University, he knew he had to find a way to improve their lives. He understood that to uplift the village, he had to approach things differently, taking steps that could create sustainable and lasting change.
This marked the beginning of Sobirin’s journey to empower his community. In 2001, he introduced the villagers to a new product: gula semut, or “ant sugar.” Named for its fine, granular texture, gula semut is a versatile and natural sweetener made from coconut sap. Besides being delicious, it’s also beneficial for health, offering vitamins like B3 and B6, and minerals like calcium, that support digestion, metabolism, and even improve skin health. Because it has a low glycemic index, it’s also a healthier option for people with diabetes. Sobirin saw an opportunity—not only could this product enhance the value of their work, but it also had the potential to tap into larger markets, both local and international.
Empowering Villages, Enriching Lives, Embracing Sustainability
Starting from scratch, Sobirin introduced gula semut production by going door-to-door, showing farmers how to make this new form of sugar. Many of them had only ever known the traditional block-shaped palm sugar, but with Sobirin’s encouragement, they embraced the change. He provided ongoing support, training farmers and setting up proper production facilities through the farmers’ group he established, Manggar Jaya. Under his guidance, what began as small-scale production soon grew as demand for gula semut steadily rose.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. During the initial three months, production was minimal, and Sobirin often struggled to keep the farmers motivated. However, he remained optimistic, pushing through every challenge. His dedication bore fruit: by 2012, production of gula semut had surged to around six tons per month. Just two years later, this number reached an incredible fifteen tons. Sobirin’s efforts had finally created a consistent and prosperous income source for his community, freeing the villagers from their reliance on middlemen and fluctuating prices.
In time, gula semut from Semedo gained popularity far beyond the village. Through government support, Sobirin traveled to Semarang and promoted the product on online platforms and websites for local businesses. Soon, orders began pouring in from countries like the United States and across Europe. The once small-scale operation had become an international business. Today, gula semut from Semedo is available in retail stores, online shops, and even international markets, spreading sweetness from Banyumas to the world.
But what stands out most about Sobirin’s journey is the sense of community that underlies his every move. Through the Manggar Jaya farmers’ group, he established a support network for producers, including benefits like BPJS health insurance, ensuring the safety and welfare of each member. This is especially meaningful to farmers like Mr. Sakrun, who once suffered a severe fall while harvesting and was able to receive medical care thanks to the health coverage Sobirin had advocated for. Families now enjoy a stable income, and children are able to attend school, free from the financial instability that once plagued the village.
For his impactful work, Sobirin received the SATU Indonesia Award in 2016, presented by PT Astra International. This prestigious recognition celebrates young Indonesians who bring positive change to their communities, and Sobirin’s achievements in promoting economic stability, environmental sustainability, and health made him a worthy recipient. Receiving the award was more than just a personal milestone for Sobirin—it validated his vision of sustainable village development and inspired even more farmers to join the gula semut movement.
Learning about Sobirin’s journey makes me reflect on my own hopes for the future. His dedication to his village shows that meaningful change begins with a single step and that even the smallest actions, when driven by purpose, can transform lives. His story is a reminder that no effort is too small if it helps build a better, more sustainable world. I am deeply inspired by Sobirin’s success and his unwavering commitment to empowering his community, and one day, I hope to bring the same level of positive change to others, as he has done.
Sobirin’s story is a shining example of the power of community, collaboration, and sustainable progress. Through his vision and hard work, a small village has been uplifted, and countless lives have been enriched. Together, through shared effort and resilience, we can create a world where progress is not only sustainable but also shared by all. (*)
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