Bumi Lestari Institute as one of the implementing partners of the Estungkara program also encourages economic strengthening for indigenous people especially indigenous women's groups. Since 2022, Bumi Lestari Institution has facilitated several indigenous women's business groups such as agricultural businesses through vegetable development and joint savings and loan business units (UBSP).
In its assistance, Bumi Lestari through field facilitators routinely assists the community so that the business units that have been formed can continue to grow. One of the current work focuses is to support the strengthening of the business units that have been formed, namely by creating Articles of Association and Bylaws (AD/ART).
Articles of Association (AD/ART) are very important in savings and loan activities because they function as a legal basis that regulates the operation of the institution. Without clear Articles of Association (AD/ART), the institution can run without definite guidelines, which risks causing administrative and legal problems. Articles of Association (AD/ART) determine the organizational structure, rights and obligations of members, and procedures in savings and loan activities. With firm rules, the operation of the institution can run in a more structured, efficient, and transparent manner, reducing the potential for conflict or abuse of authority.
"These Articles of Association are important and must be present in every business unit so that they become rules that can overcome risks, especially for the implementation of savings and loan activities," said Erick Nggaya Maramba, Maramba Village Facilitator during group mentoring.
This was also agreed by the Chairwoman of the Joint Business Group, Mrs. Konga Ana Awa. She said that the AD/ART needs to be drafted together and of course implemented in the group so that group activities can run well and safely.
"So far, we have not had any articles of association, so the process of group activities is still chaotic, because there are no binding joint rules," he added.
In addition, the Articles of Association also play an important role in maintaining sustainability and fairness in savings and loan activities. The rules contained in the Articles of Association regulate how to share results, payment obligations, and member rights, so that all parties are guaranteed their rights and feel treated fairly. This increases accountability and transparency, which in the process can build trust among members. The Articles of Association were finally ratified on October 19, 2024 and ratified by the Chairperson and Secretary of the Group, which took place in the Wangga Meti Village Office Hall.
"Hopefully with the existence of this AD/ART, more people will join as members because there are already clear rules. Because through this joint business unit, especially for women, it is not only a place for savings and loans but also encourages economic growth. indigenous women and become a space for them to be empowered and independent," added Erick.
