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KUPANG, bhayaksa.net – In the hands of Meybi Agnesya Neolaka, moringa leaves (kelor)—which were once widely overlooked—have successfully moved up the value chain. Under her business banner, Timor Moringa, the Kupang-based entrepreneur from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has transformed the common backyard hedge into a high-value economic commodity while simultaneously driving the local economy.
“Moringa, or marungga as it is locally known, used to be stigmatized as a food for hard times or associated with mystical beliefs. We wanted to shatter that stigma through modern, hygienic product innovation,” Meybi stated during an exclusive interview with bhayaksa.net reporter Susana Emilia Taebenu on Saturday (22/08/2026).
Through Timor Moringa, Meybi has launched a variety of trendy products, ranging from moringa-infused chocolates and healthy tea bags to pure moringa powder used as nutritional supplements. These innovative products have successfully penetrated modern retail networks and major souvenir centers across Kupang City, and are frequently showcased at various national-scale exhibitions.
Synergy and Sustainable Empowerment
The primary key to Timor Moringa’s success lies in its inclusive social entrepreneurship model. Rather than relying on large-scale corporate plantations, Meybi chooses to partner with and mentor local farming groups and underprivileged housewives around Kupang to supply high-quality moringa leaves.
“We train community members on how to harvest and wash moringa leaves according to strict hygienic standards. This step is critical to ensure that the nutritional content remains intact by the time it reaches consumers,” Meybi added.
This initiative has created a mutually beneficial circular economy. Moringa leaves, which previously grew wild in backyards with no commercial value, have now been transformed into a consistent source of supplemental income for local residents in Kupang.
Nevertheless, operating a small business in an archipelagic region presents unique logistical hurdles. High shipping costs for packaging materials from Java and a heavy reliance on weather conditions for the hygienic drying process remain persistent operational challenges. However, through continuous guidance from the Regional National Crafts Council (Dekranasda) of NTT and by securing a government-facilitated self-declared Halal certification, Timor Moringa continues to maintain its strict product standards in the market.
By combining aesthetically pleasing packaging with consistent public education on health benefits, Meybi has proven that Flobamora’s indigenous flora holds immense potential to penetrate national markets while elevating the welfare of underprivileged communities in the region.
Reporter: Susana Emilia Taebenu
Editor: bhayaksa.net Team
