Sustainable Community Products from Muntigunung Showcase at BWB Expo 2026
DENPASAR – A diverse range of premium products developed through community empowerment initiatives in Muntigunung were featured at the Bali Wellness and Beauty (BWB) Expo 2026, held at The Meru Sanur from June 4–6, 2026. Their presence at the exhibition highlights how community-based economic development can create high-quality products while improving local livelihoods.
At the event, Muntigunung Community Social Enterprise (MCSE) showcased a variety of locally sourced and sustainably produced products. These included raw dried cashew nuts and an assortment of roasted cashews in different flavors, ranging from natural and sea salt varieties to garlic and salt, chili with lontar palm sugar, curry, and a distinctive Balinese herbal blend.
In addition to its cashew-based products, MCSE presented a selection of rosella products, including rosella tea, rosella powder, rosella sweets, and rosella jam. Other products attracting visitors’ attention included organic lontar palm sugar, dried mango, moringa powder, natural rosella salt, and sea salt, all produced through a model that prioritizes sustainability and community empowerment.
These products are the result of a long journey of social and economic transformation in Muntigunung, a region in Northeast Bali that was once known for its high levels of poverty. Through a poverty alleviation program launched in 2004, critical challenges such as limited access to clean water, healthcare, sanitation, and education began to be addressed systematically.
The Muntigunung Development Program focused not only on social assistance but also on building a foundation for long-term economic independence by utilizing local resources. Significant achievements have been realized, including the implementation of sustainable rainwater harvesting systems and improved sanitation access, which now reaches approximately 96 percent of the population.
Remarkable progress has also been made in the health sector, with child mortality rates reduced to nearly zero. At the same time, educational initiatives have been developed to ensure that children in the area have greater access to learning opportunities and a brighter future.
Economically, the program has generated more than 200 jobs through three social enterprises and various capacity-building projects in the fields of food production, handicrafts, and trekking tourism. These initiatives laid the groundwork for the development of the community’s flagship products that are now reaching wider markets.
The community’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2008 as a small home industry processing local commodities such as cashew nuts and lontar palm sugar. As product quality improved and market demand increased, PT Munti Cahaya Sejahtera (MCSE) was established in 2019 to expand market reach while strengthening its social impact.
MCSE operates with a vision of creating a harmonious balance between economic prosperity and environmental sustainability. Its business activities are guided by ethical business practices, fair trade principles, and a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The success achieved in Muntigunung demonstrates that community-based development can bring about meaningful and lasting change. Once characterized by poverty and limited opportunities, Muntigunung has evolved into a more independent, productive, and competitive community through the development of high-quality local products.
MCSE’s participation in BWB Expo 2026 serves not only as a platform to promote its products but also as an opportunity to share a powerful message: community empowerment and environmental conservation can work hand in hand to create sustainable well-being.
Beyond its cashew, rosella, lontar palm sugar, and other locally produced goods, MCSE has also expanded into the development of Munti Batik, a unique batik collection that reflects the creativity and craftsmanship of the Muntigunung community.
What sets Munti Batik apart is its use of natural dyes derived from environmentally friendly materials, resulting in distinctive colors and sustainable production processes. The introduction of Munti Batik further enriches MCSE’s portfolio of social enterprise products while reinforcing its commitment to community empowerment, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability within an integrated and inclusive business ecosystem. **
