Anita Hartono’s long-standing health challenges led her to explore natural ways to support the immune system and digestive health. This pursuit introduced her to kombucha, a fermented tea rich in probiotics and antioxidants. What began as a personal routine became the foundation of Mambucha—a certified kombucha brand with BPOM and Halal Indonesia accreditation.

From Personal Health to a Scalable Wellness Brand

For 25 years, Anita relied on medication for digestive issues. In 2021, a friend suggested kombucha as an alternative.

“I tried it out of curiosity, and the results were very effective. It also tasted good. From that moment, I wanted others to experience its benefits,” Anita said.

Kombucha, she explained, is a traditional fermented beverage made from green and black tea, using a combination of bacteria and yeast. It has been consumed for over 2,000 years and is known to support digestion, skin health, and overall wellness.

According to Anita, the integrity of the brewing process is essential. “Every good bottle of kombucha starts with the intention to consistently and responsibly deliver natural goodness,” she added.

Mambucha’s Growth: Quality, Demand, and Local Impact

Mambucha’s dedication to quality drew increasing consumer interest. To meet the growing demand, the brand expanded its production capacity. The company now produces 8,000 liters of kombucha per month, supported by a team of more than 40 people handling production and distribution across several Indonesian cities.

Preparing for Global Reach Through Kombucha-Based Skincare

Although the company is not yet exporting its kombucha due to its short shelf life of about one month, Anita is exploring other opportunities. She is developing a skincare line based on kombucha fermentation, targeting conditions like sensitive skin, irritation, and inflammation.

“We can’t export kombucha yet due to its shelf life. But through skincare, we see greater potential for entering international markets,” she said.

Anita is setting her sights on export destinations such as the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan.

“Pengusaha Muda BRILiaN” as a Turning Point for UMKM Healthcare

Mambucha’s evolution—from a home kitchen to a dedicated production facility—was supported by the Pengusaha Muda BRILiaN (PMB) program by BRI. When Anita joined, the business was only three years old.

“I joined PMB not to win prizes, but to learn more, find mentors, and broaden my perspective,” she said.

In 2024, Anita was named Best of the Best in the Healthcare/Wellness category. The program introduced her to an ecosystem designed to build competence and expand strategic networks.

She recalled how mentoring with business practitioners and investors shifted her mindset. “At PMB, we were encouraged to dream big. That even UMKM can become businesses that change the world,” she remembered.

A Broader Vision for Small Businesses through BRI Support

Since joining the program, Anita has felt more confident in strengthening Mambucha’s foundation and expanding future opportunities.

Separately, BRI Corporate Secretary Dhanny stated that BRI remains committed to supporting MSMEs across Indonesia. This includes financing, training, mentorship, and access to broader markets through expos and exhibitions.

“We want to ensure that MSMEs like Mambucha not only survive, but also grow and compete in national and global markets,” said Dhanny.

PHOTO: BRI

This article was created with AI assistance.