Muntigunung – social enterprise in Bali
Muntigunung Community Social Enterprise distributes a wide range of high quality products originating from and/or processed in the remote area of Muntigunung, northeast Bali. Production and processing by local villagers is supported and coordinated by the Muntigunung Development and Livelihood Program implementation in 2006 by Yayasan Dian Desa / Future for Children. Last week I had the privilege of visiting some of the projects run by the social enterprise group with my husband Steve. The (difficult in places) trek to reach Muntigunung was well worth it and the enterprise projects inspiring, there was no show being put on for tourists, rather we met women who were proud to be able to be making a change in their own lives.
Muntigunung is a beautiful, and not so well-known, area north of Kintamani in Karangassem. Most of the poorest families of Bali come from this region.
Nidi, one of the women from Muntigunung, led us on the two-hour long trek to her village.
Women like Ketut Soka weave to make money to support their families. Previously in this area many women and children went to the tourist areas of Bali for begging:
“Now we can make an income and there is work here to do. It is good because we are busy now”.
We met around twenty women and teenage girls weaving. They make small boxes that are sold as Christmas gifts and to hotels in Bali.
Women are also involved in lots of other enterprises including the creation of beautiful hammocks.
Entrepreneurs like Endang are helping small businesses such as cashew production move from strength to strength.
Women process the cashews and different flavours are added to the final mix.
We tried cashews flavoured with curry, garlic and herbs.
Women also produce different textiles such as bags as part of the social enterprise.
The main aim of the project is to provide local employment so that in the future children do not leave education to beg in tourist areas.
THE THING WITH FEATHERS 
How great a project. This brings, as you say, a pride into their souls and this you can see in their eyes.
Hi, I’m Robin, are you working in Bali or what? I really like your blog. I don’t know how to express my feeling , but I think you are very kind.
Hi Robin, no I am not working in Bali. I am based in the UK. I was travelling in Bali. Thanks for your nice words
hi laura, i accidentally stumbled over your beautiful pictures of your muntigunung trekking! gorgeous! congratulations! my name is daniel, i am the founder of future for children, the swiss based ngo, which is working in muntigunung together with indonesian partner organisations. i would be very happy indeed, if we could have the pictures and use them in our communication towards potential donors and in marketing the products of muntigunung. let me know it this would be possible. my mailadress: danielelber@hotmail.com. thanks you so much. kind regards. daniel
Have emailed you Daniel.