Although Indonesia is a top coconut producer, it has been importing coconut products from abroad in large quantities. Local coconut farmers lack the skills and resources for innovation in product development and sell the raw material. This limits the income they get from their coconut crops.
Kulaku was founded by a coconut farmer’s son who wanted to give back to his community after finishing business school. Determined to change the precarious living conditions of coconut farmer families, his social enterprise set out to educate the farmers so they can transform their crop into high-quality end products for Indonesian consumers. They are now able to turn raw coconut into coconut oil, milk powder, fibre, and charcoal.
To date, Kulaku has developed more than ten products, that can be ordered through online marketplaces, social media and their website. While buyers pay competitive prices, the derivative products increase the income for the farmers. Their children are granted scholarships to have access to better economic opportunities in the future.
The social enterprise works with hundreds of coconut farmers around South Sumatra’s capital city Palembang. In the three years since it was established, Kulaku has supported the education of dozens of farmer’s children.
