Who doesn’t know VCO or Virgin Coconut Oil. According to Wikepedia, VCO is a modification of the coconut oil process so as to produce a product with a low moisture content and free fatty acid content, clear color, which is fragrant, and has a long shelf life of more than 12 months.
This time the story is about VCO business actors from Selumbung village, Manggis sub-district, district. Karang Asem, Bali, Mr. Nengah Widana, who is the 3rd generation in a family business not far from coconuts. He believes that the quality of coconuts in his village is different from other regions.
For Mr. Nengah, who is also an official in his village, is very grateful for him and sincerely prays that presenting this Almighty which he processes into VCO can be enjoyed and useful for many people.
In this COVID-19 pandemic situation, he is also trying to survive in his way. Invite visitors or buyers of their VCO products while enjoying the potential of natural beauty in their village on Soksokan Hill. This place is still being developed with his father and younger brother. In this place we can do tracking, camping, meditation, and of course taking pictures with a very wide stretch of coconut trees and also a view of the high seas with their ships anchored in Padang Bay.
Let’s take a look at the efforts, challenges and hopes, who knows friends We Love With Love can help make it happen. Amen.
Introducing the Wonders of Virgin Coconut Oil from Selumbung Village
Since contracting high cholesterol three years ago, Nengah Widana has made countless efforts to find a way to cure her disease. During her quest, she stumbled upon literature informing about the wonders of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) as one of the key ingredients to living a cholesterol-free life. She immediately became determined to shift from using chemical medicine into natural medication.
“In the beginning, I had limited knowledge of VCO. I didn’t know how to extract VCO without heating. As a consequence, I took it upon myself to find answers from the Internet,” she recalled swiftly.
Despite experiencing numerous failures, Nengah didn’t deter from her motivation to move forward. Eventually, she achieved a breakthrough when she met a scholar from Yogyakarta who studied tourism in France and came to visit Selumbung Village.
“I requested his guidance and advice in producing VCO based on his comprehensive knowledge about the matter. Following his steps, I believe it is the finest way to get the best results.”
Selumbung Village, Manggis Sub-District, Karang Asem Regency, Bali itself is already well known as a fertile growing ground for coconuts. It is home to 360 acres of high-quality coconut plantations. For her product, Nengah is involved directly in the coconut selection process.
“I only use healthy coconuts dried under the sun. Whenever I find the slightest sign of decomposition, I will set them aside,” she explained. “Wet coconuts are turned into coconut cooking oil. It becomes second grade VCO.”
Up to this very day, Nengah remains faithful in practicing the procedure. All base materials are carefully selected and manufactured into VCO traditionally. For every completed product, Nengah holds onto the philosophy to always express her gratitude towards mother nature. “Once a VCO procedure is complete, we never forget to extend our appreciation of the gift from mother nature and God the Almighty. I pray for each creation to be beneficial for all its users.”
Selumbung generated VCO relies on local and domestic markets. Nengah dreams of having her VCO products exported or sold via the marketplace. This dream has not yet become a reality caused by a lack of information. “I am still clueless about the payment process, making agreement arrangements with buyers, and export regulations. I also do not know how to send liquid products safely.”
In despair, Nengah wishes there would be people willing to help her. Especially now during the pandemic when there is a significant decline of tourists that hit Selumbung VCO sales like a storm. As a leader of the village, she is eager to evoke tourism in Selumbung through a customer experienced-based tourism package.
“All tourists will be experiencing the fascinating world of VCO making. They will enjoy coffee and traditional culinary before going on a hiking trip around Soksokan to meditate or enjoy the wonderful view of coconut plantations and the beautiful wide sea.”
If you are interested in making Nengah’s dream come true, Do not hesitate to contact WeLoveWithLove Foundation. We would be more than happy to assist you in reaching Nengah and her community. You may share funding, materials, and or knowledge, depending on what you desire to share.
