Asti and Her Dream of Creating Jobs for Young People in Soe

Many young people in rural areas believe that earning a decent income means leaving home and migrating to big cities. Asti’s story challenges that assumption. At 31 years old, Asti—who lives in South Central Timor (TTS), East Nusa Tenggara—has proven that meaningful opportunities can be built right where we are. Through determination, hard work, and the right support, she has grown her own farming and poultry business in her hometown, while inspiring others to believe in local potential.

Asti joined Plan Indonesia in 2024 as a participant in the Youth-Led Agri-Food (YLAF) program, supported by Citi Foundation. Even before joining the program, Asti already had a strong entrepreneurial spirit. However, limited capital and knowledge often held her back. The YLAF program became a turning point in her life.

Beyond providing technical training, the program helped Asti recognize that local resources—often overlooked—could become reliable sources of income. YLAF also supported young participants in TTS by strengthening their skills in agriculture and livestock farming. As part of the program, Asti received 150 laying hens along with essential coop equipment, including drinking water systems, feeding containers, and chicken feed for the first three months. With this support, she began developing her own egg-laying poultry business alongside her farming activities.

Since joining YLAF, Asti has experienced significant changes in her life. Income from farming and poultry farming has enabled her to pay her younger sibling’s university registration fees, purchase a laptop to support their studies, and fully provide for her adopted child, who is currently in first grade. From school supplies to daily necessities, Asti covers all of her adopted child’s needs—clear evidence that a well-managed local business can positively impact not only one person, but an entire family.

Her success does not stop there. Asti also supports her parents’ daily needs, such as purchasing rice, vegetables, and other household necessities. Today, she earns an average monthly income of IDR 5–7 million from her agricultural and poultry activities. This steady income demonstrates that farming and livestock businesses in rural areas can be financially viable when managed properly—without relying on employment opportunities in urban centers

Investing in the Future

Rather than settling for early success, Asti continues to plan for growth. With her savings, she purchased a motorcycle to support her business operations, making it easier to deliver vegetables and eggs to local shops within the district. She is now planning to expand her poultry business by adding 400 more laying hens, with an estimated investment of around IDR 100 million for coop construction and supporting infrastructure.

Notably, Asti plans to fund the coop construction using her personal savings, while accessing Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR) from BRI to purchase the chicks. This careful financial planning reflects how her business has grown steadily and sustainably over the past two years.

Despite her achievements, Asti remains deeply committed to sharing opportunities with others. Beyond supporting her family, she dreams of creating job opportunities for young people in her village.

“There are so many young people here who think earning money only means migrating elsewhere,” she says. “But the potential in our area is huge.”

Asti envisions expanding her agricultural and livestock ventures to become more sustainable and inclusive. She hopes to prove that success does not require leaving one’s hometown behind.

“Making a living doesn’t mean you have to migrate,” she adds. “There is so much land here that can be cultivated. It all comes down to willingness—if we want to grow, we have to keep trying and never give up.”

Asti acknowledges that her journey would not have been possible without the support of Plan Indonesia and the Citi Foundation.

“Thank you for helping us open our minds,” she says. “Through the trainings, we learned how we can grow and succeed in our own communities.”

For Asti, the YLAF program provided more than physical assistance—it built confidence, skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Her story is proof that opportunity often exists closer than we think. With determination, perseverance, and the right support, young people in rural areas can succeed without migrating. Asti has not only transformed her own life, but has become a source of inspiration for those around her—showing that true success lies in empowerment and the ability to uplift others.