109 Maeswara Basket in Indonesia

Team 64 Poster

Team Reflection

The AIM2Flourish story of Maeswara Basket introduces us to an inspiring social enterprise based in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Founded by Masruroh Sulistowati, Maeswara Basket crafts eco-friendly home decor items, such as baskets and wall decorations, from natural plant fibers like water hyacinth, sea grass, and banana bark. Beyond simply producing beautiful products, the company collaborates with local artisans, empowering them—especially women—with fair wages and skill development opportunities. As a team, we were particularly impressed by the innovation that turns the invasive water hyacinth, which typically harms aquatic ecosystems, into an eco-friendly material for sustainable products​.

Our group’s initial reactions were a blend of admiration and curiosity. The story challenged us to rethink how businesses can tackle local and global issues simultaneously. For instance, Maeswara Basket not only provides employment opportunities in a region where such work might be scarce, but it also directly addresses several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 1 (No Poverty). Learning about this venture sparked questions and discussions within our team about the scalability of such initiatives and the potential for similar models in different cultural or economic contexts. Each team member noted how aligned the business model was with our own academic understanding of sustainable practices and the “triple bottom line” framework of people, planet, and profit. These reflections pushed us to think about the broader role of business in driving societal change.

So What:
Engaging deeply with Maeswara’s story has highlighted for us the critical role businesses can play in advancing sustainability and promoting social equity. We realized that the company’s holistic approach aligns well with theoretical concepts from our courses, such as corporate social responsibility (CSR), social entrepreneurship, and the principles of sustainable business practices. By integrating environmental stewardship with economic opportunities for marginalized communities, Maeswara Basket embodies the “triple bottom line” approach that emphasizes balancing profits with positive social and environmental impacts.

Our reflections also touched on the gaps in our knowledge and understanding. For example, some of us were surprised by the tangible impact a small business could have on local ecosystems through its product innovation. Maeswara’s use of water hyacinth, an invasive plant, not only serves as an example of upcycling but also illustrates the intersection of environmental challenges with sustainable development solutions. This reinforced our knowledge and gave us a fresh perspective on how local resources and traditional crafts can be revitalized to meet global demands for sustainable products.

As a group, we found ourselves questioning traditional business models and whether our previous assumptions about business solely as a profit-generating entity were too narrow. Maeswara’s focus on fair wages and sustainable sourcing reflects a model of accountability and social responsibility that is central to sustainable development. One of our group members pointed out how the Generasi Penyelamat Lingkungan (GPL) program, which promotes environmental consciousness among youth, connects the company’s mission with broader educational and cultural impacts. This idea of embedding environmental values within community initiatives is something we feel could be emulated in other businesses globally, challenging us to consider what more we can learn from non-Western perspectives on social responsibility and sustainability.

Now What:
This experience with Maeswara Basket’s story has influenced how we view our future roles in business. As aspiring professionals, each of us feels inspired to integrate sustainable practices into our respective fields. Maeswara Basket serves as a case study on how socially responsible and environmentally friendly practices can become viable business strategies, rather than just theoretical ideals. In our future careers, we hope to prioritize social and environmental goals alongside financial targets, recognizing the powerful role business can play in promoting positive change.

For instance, one team member mentioned wanting to work in sustainable supply chain management, applying what we learned from Maeswara about responsible sourcing and waste reduction. Another member, interested in social entrepreneurship, felt encouraged to explore how local resources and traditional skills could be leveraged in new, impactful ways. By reflecting on the possible global influence of Maeswara Basket’s practices, we envision ourselves pushing for ethical sourcing, fair wages, and environmentally conscious production methods in our careers. Our conversations as a team underscored the importance of cross-cultural exchanges in enriching our understanding of sustainability, and we anticipate these discussions will guide us in becoming socially responsible professionals.

Reflection on Team Process and Learning Outcomes
Working together on this reflection allowed us to pool our diverse perspectives, enhancing our understanding of sustainable business practices. Each of us contributed unique insights drawn from our respective fields of study, from environmental science to business management. Dividing the work equitably, some of us focused on research and compiling information from our courses, while others structured the reflection and wrote drafts.

What worked well in our collaboration was the open sharing of ideas and questions, which allowed us to deepen our analysis of Maeswara’s story. However, time zone differences presented occasional challenges, making it necessary to be flexible and patient. The cross-cultural aspect of this experience was enlightening, as we saw firsthand the value of integrating perspectives from different backgrounds. This diversity of thought broadened our reflections on business practices, social impact, and sustainability.

Individual Reflections

Teresa Ergui Diaz
As a group, we each felt enriched by this experiential learning activity, but each member’s experience was unique. Here’s an individual reflection from one team member:

“Working with my team on Maeswara Basket’s story has been an inspiring journey that brought to light the depth of impact a well-conceived business model can have on local communities. Maeswara Basket is more than just a company; it represents resilience, creativity, and the powerful role business can play in uplifting lives. Delving into its story made me appreciate the ingenuity that can emerge from necessity and the transformative potential of entrepreneurship when driven by purpose.

Collaborating across time zones with teammates from diverse backgrounds highlighted the importance of clear, intentional communication and the value of adaptability. Adjusting our schedules, responding to each other’s unique working styles, and navigating cultural nuances taught me not only to be flexible but also to actively listen. Every team member brought their own perspective, shaped by different experiences, which enriched our discussions and opened my eyes to viewpoints I hadn’t considered before. I came to understand that collaboration across borders doesn’t just enhance efficiency; it brings together a mosaic of insights that are only possible when different cultures, values, and approaches merge.

Reflecting on Maeswara Basket’s story with my team also reminded me that impactful business ideas can originate from anywhere. Often, the most innovative solutions are those developed in response to local challenges, grounded in an intimate understanding of community needs. Maeswara Basket’s journey reinforced my belief that global relevance is not confined to ideas that start in major economic hubs; rather, it can be found in grassroots initiatives that address real-world problems with pragmatism and vision.

This experience has profoundly broadened my perspective. Seeing how a localized business model can create ripples of positive change has encouraged me to seek out diverse viewpoints and be more open to solutions that may differ from conventional approaches. Moving forward in my career, I’m committed to fostering an inclusive, global mindset, one that values contributions from across borders and recognizes that true innovation often emerges from unexpected places. The lessons I’ve gained—about adaptability, communication, and the universal potential for impactful ideas—are ones I will carry with me, guiding me toward a career grounded in empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a global outlook.”

“My involvement in the AIM2Flourish initiative with Maeswara Basket provided valuable insights into the potential for businesses to positively impact society and the environment. Maeswara’s creative idea of using invasive water hyacinth to create environmentally-friendly home decorations not only tackled an environmental problem but also supported local Indonesian artisans, specifically women, by providing fair wages and preserving traditional weaving methods.

This encounter made me rethink our original views on business focusing only on making money and introduced us to the idea of the “triple bottom line”, which considers profit, people, and the planet. We also observed how Maeswara’s model supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals such as poverty reduction and climate action, highlighting the significance of incorporating social and environmental values into business practices. In terms of academics, the project strengthened concepts such as accountability and responsible manufacturing, while also exposing the challenges of sustainability in areas with scarce resources.

This contemplation of Maeswara’s influence has motivated me to take on upcoming business positions in the future with an emphasis on sustainability and ethical accountability, going beyond immediate profits. My personal  learning experience was enhanced by the diverse dynamics of our cross-cultural team, where we embraced virtual collaboration, managed cultural differences, and provided varied perspectives that increased my understanding of Maeswara’s work. This led to a mutual dedication to promoting positive change on both local and global levels. To sum up the ideas involved, it has been a great experience to get to make a project of this impact with students from other countries; even if there were some downsides such as being able to talk at different time periods, understanding that there are different methods to do teamwork around the world,etc.  Besides that, it has been a wonderful experience. ”

KHOMOTSO MAHLARE 

“Participating in the AIM TO FLOURISH ENACTUS COIL Project has been an enriching experience that allowed me to engage with students from Spain and Indonesia. This journey presented both challenges and opportunities for personal growth, and I am grateful for the chance to work alongside such a diverse group of individuals. Before embarking on this project, I had little experience with graphic design, particularly in creating posters. I was initially apprehensive about my ability to contribute to our project, especially since I was unfamiliar with Canva—the platform we decided to use for our posters. However, as the project progressed, I dedicated time to learning the necessary skills. While I may not have achieved perfection, I gained a solid understanding of the basics, which empowered me to express my ideas visually. My collaboration with students from Spain and Indonesia was seamless and enjoyable. The kindness and open-mindedness of my teammates created a supportive atmosphere that fostered teamwork and creativity. We engaged in brainstorming sessions, where we exchanged not only ideas but also cultural nuances that enhanced our project. It was particularly interesting to witness different perspectives and approaches to problem-solving, which ultimately enriched our final outcomes. Being part of Team 64 was a privilege. The collaboration catalyzed numerous learning experiences, both personally and professionally. I appreciated the team’s dedication to our shared goals and the willingness to support one another through challenges.”

GRACIOUS MAKHUBEDU

“Participating in the Enactus Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) program, where I interacted with learners from Universidad de Navarra (UNAV) and Indonesia’s IPMI International Business School, was both inspiring and enriching. Engaging with diverse perspectives expanded my understanding of global challenges and allowed me to gain insights into different cultures and approaches to problem-solving.

Collaborating across countries and backgrounds highlighted the importance of adaptability and communication. I gained practical skills in teamwork and learned innovative strategies that I believe will benefit my future work in social entrepreneurship. Overall, this experience fostered a global mindset and a deeper appreciation for collaboration in addressing social issues.”

SEFRIANA LOPO

“My feelings as a member of the coil team, I feel that I lack a lot in English, but my friends can help me so that I can also participate in this team, even though we work in a virtual team, this certainly involves effective communication skills, collaboration and time management skills. the good one. I also feel proud because I can contribute, even from a distance, but our team can for the success of the team as a whole. And we can also learn from the Maeswara basket company, about economic business through SDG. With an honest approach from me, I appreciate the perspective of each team member to maintain harmony, strengthen our relationship in this team, and even though our time is limited, we can still communicate until now. Thank you friends.”

References

• Sulistowati, M., & AIM2Flourish Team. (2024). Crafting a Sustainable Future with Natural Fibers.
• United Nations. (2023). Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals.
• Elkington, J. (1997). Cannibals with forks: The triple bottom line of 21st-century business. Capstone.
• Dyllick, T., & Muff, K. (2016). Clarifying the meaning of sustainable business: Introducing a typology from business-as-usual to true business sustainability. Organization & Environment, 29(2), 156-174. https://doi.org/10.1177/1086026615575176