MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – The Community Empowerment Council (MPM) of Muhammadiyah’s Central Board has partnered with Zurich Syariah to launch a micro-retail initiative branded “Sayur ZEPMU,” aimed at strengthening the economic recovery of vegetable farmers in Cianjur.
M. Nurul Yamin, Chairperson of MPM, said the event marked more than a ceremonial opening. Instead, it signaled a strategic step in downstream empowerment for vegetable farmers. The initiative also forms part of the congregational economic movement of Jamaah Tani Muhammadiyah (JATAM).
Yamin stressed that the community-based economic program aligns closely with Muhammadiyah’s grassroots outreach. “This shows that Muhammadiyah is not merely an urban movement,” he said during the launch at Masjid As Sudairi on Feb. 14. “It also grows from rural communities.”
Post-Disaster Recovery Through Market Access
In its initial phase, Sayur ZEPMU will serve JATAM members in Cianjur, most of whom are vegetable farmers affected by the 2022 earthquake. Organizers have integrated the program into broader post-disaster recovery efforts for survivors.
Therefore, Yamin expressed hope that other regions will replicate the model. He added that MPM would encourage Muhammadiyah branches nationwide to consolidate similar economic movements.
“We are not merely talking about a 2-by-6-meter container-sized vegetable outlet,” he said. “This is a large idea with significant impact, starting from a small step. We plan to expand it to many areas.”
Dian Iskandar Wibowo, director of Zurich Syariah, echoed that commitment. He said the company shares MPM’s vision of empowering communities, particularly in the economic sector.
“Through this program, we believe empowerment must provide market access as well as community-based economic systems,” he said.
He added that farmers’ challenges extend beyond production. Problems also arise downstream, especially in distribution and market access. Consequently, collaborative initiatives like Sayur ZEPMU aim to strengthen both ends of the supply chain while supporting marginalized communities affected by disaster.
