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Dishwashing Liquid Training Helps Housewives in Pekanbaru Build Sustainable Home Businesses
A team of Indonesian academics has shown that a simple, hands-on training program can unlock real economic opportunities for housewives. In 2025, lecturers from Universitas Persada Bunda Indonesia and Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta organized a community-based dishwashing liquid training program for housewives in Rumbai District, Pekanbaru. The initiative demonstrated that practical skills training, delivered in just one day, can strengthen household income potential and encourage sustainable home-based entrepreneurship.
The program was designed and implemented by Nia Anggraini, Erfa Okta Lussianda, and Liga Febrina from Universitas Persada Bunda Indonesia, together with Muhammad Adrian from Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta. Their work was published in the Indonesian Journal of Society Development in 2025. The findings matter because they offer a realistic model for empowering women in urban and peri-urban communities who face limited access to formal employment but have strong motivation to support their families economically.
Why housewives’ entrepreneurship matters
Across Indonesia, housewives represent a large but often underutilized economic force. Many have the desire to contribute financially to their households but encounter structural barriers such as limited capital, lack of technical skills, and uncertainty about which types of businesses are safe and viable. National and international data consistently show that when women participate in economic activities, family welfare improves and local economies become more resilient.
In Rumbai District, Pekanbaru, these challenges are particularly visible. Most housewives come from low- to middle-income households and have little access to steady jobs. At the same time, everyday household products such as dishwashing liquid are in constant demand. This combination of unmet economic potential and stable market needs made dishwashing liquid production a strategic entry point for small-scale entrepreneurship.
Despite this opportunity, many community members believe that producing household cleaning products is complicated and requires advanced chemical knowledge. This perception discourages housewives from trying, even though the actual process can be safe, simple, and low-cost when taught correctly.
A practical training model in one day
The community service program took place at a multifunction community hall in Rumbai District and involved approximately 100 housewives. The organizers deliberately designed the activity to be short, practical, and accessible. Rather than long lectures, the program focused on participation and direct experience.
The training followed several clear stages:
- Entrepreneurship orientation: Participants received a brief introduction to home-based business opportunities and the role of micro-enterprises in supporting household income.
- Technical instruction: Trainers explained basic materials, simple equipment, and safe procedures for making dishwashing liquid.
- Hands-on practice: Participants worked in groups to mix ingredients, produce dishwashing liquid, and package the final product.
- Interactive discussion: Open discussions allowed participants to ask questions, share concerns, and explore potential challenges in running a home business.
- Post-training mentoring: Follow-up guidance was provided to encourage participants to apply the skills independently after the training.
This structure ensured that participants not only understood the concept but also gained confidence through direct practice.
Clear results from participatory learning
Observations and evaluations conducted during and after the program showed strong engagement. Attendance was high, and participants were actively involved throughout the sessions. Most were able to complete the dishwashing liquid production process independently by the end of the training.
Key outcomes included:
- Improved understanding of basic entrepreneurship concepts.
- Increased confidence in producing dishwashing liquid at home.
- Practical knowledge of simple packaging and product presentation.
- Strong interest in using the skill as an additional source of household income.
The training team also tested the product formulation in advance to ensure that the dishwashing liquid met basic quality standards and was safe for household use. Participants received simple training modules so they could repeat the process at home.
Building confidence and economic independence
According to Liga Febrina of Universitas Persada Bunda Indonesia, the success of the program lies in its hands-on approach. Instead of emphasizing theory, the training allowed participants to learn by doing. This method helped break down the belief that small-scale production is too complex for housewives.
In ethical paraphrase, the authors explain that practice-based training significantly increases self-confidence and technical ability, making it easier for housewives to start productive activities from home. By mastering a skill that can be immediately applied, participants move closer to economic independence without needing large capital or formal business infrastructure.
Broader social and policy implications
The findings have implications beyond Rumbai District. The program provides a replicable model for other communities with similar socio-economic conditions. Local governments, universities, and community organizations can adapt this approach to promote inclusive economic development.
For policymakers, the study highlights the importance of small, targeted interventions. Rather than focusing only on large-scale employment programs, supporting micro-entrepreneurship through practical training can deliver quick and tangible results. For households, the impact is direct: even modest additional income can help cover daily needs, education costs, or healthcare expenses.
The authors also recommend expanding future programs to include basic financial management, pricing strategies, and digital marketing. Partnerships with cooperatives or microfinance institutions could further support participants who want to scale up their businesses.
A model for sustainable community empowerment
This initiative shows that empowering housewives does not require complex technology or large budgets. With relevant skills, supportive mentoring, and community-based implementation, housewives can transform everyday household products into economic opportunities.
As Indonesia continues to strengthen its micro and small enterprise sector, programs like this demonstrate how universities can play a direct role in community development. By connecting academic knowledge with real-world needs, higher education institutions contribute not only to research but also to tangible social impact.
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