Sirai, along with his 3 friends, had applied themselves to the Katingan Mentaya Project Coconut Sugar training centre where they learnt and acquired new skills, including how to extract neera (palm nectar) and process it into coconut sugar. Practicing it in real life, however, proved to be more difficult as Sirai found himself coming home to numerous scars on his hand from trying to extract the neera with his machete knife.

Sirai, who had spent most of his life cutting down trees, also had trouble with climbing up the 20 palm trees twice a day. “My legs would ache when I climbed up the trees. Being old did not help and it made me really consider whether this is the right work for me after all,” he said.

But Sirai did not give up, promising himself and his wife that he would try another week, and on the 5 th day Sirai had managed to taste the fruits of his labour. Now, Sirai is able to produce 4 kg of coconut sugar each day with help from his family. “This is quite a small amount compared to others that have been producing coconut sugar for a while, but I am motivated to achieve the same”, uttered Sirai. His wife would help cook the coconut sugar while his son is looking forward to apply for the next batch of Coconut sugar training.

Furthermore, Sirai’s business has increased his family’s security. His wife and kids feel more assured now that Sirai doesn’t have to spend long days without certainty. As a result of his coconut sugar business, Sirai also now has time for other endeavours, such as tending to his vegetable garden. The future looks bright for Sirai.