What does it really take to build a lasting, sustainable future from the ground up?

At the Asia Grassroot Forum hosted by Amartha at the Grand Hyatt Bali, this question echoed through every conversation. The event brought into sharp focus a crucial truth: building a sustainable future is not just about technology or strategy; it is about strengthening the foundations. The roots. The everyday people who power Indonesia’s informal economy.

At the heart of this movement are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), led by community champions and, very often, by women. Many of these women are housewives managing household finances while also building small businesses. Their work may be quiet, but its impact is profound. They are transforming their communities from the ground up, often with limited resources and little recognition.

Throughout the forum, we listened to stories that revealed the challenges and potential of grassroots economies: struggles with access to finance, the need for more inclusive policies, and the perseverance required to turn side businesses into sustainable livelihoods. These were not just stories; they were calls to action.

The forum reminded us of what becomes possible when these voices are not just included but centered. When inclusive finance meets lived experience. When policymakers, businesses, and local actors come together to support those who have long carried the weight of economic resilience.

At Senang Eco, we see this kind of ecosystem as central to any real sustainability transition—one that is not imposed from above but grown in collaboration with those on the ground. For us, sustainability is not just a strategy. It is a shared responsibility, shaped by real people and rooted in real lives.

So we leave the forum with this question:
Are we truly listening?

And are we ready to act together?