The Foundation for Inspiration of Indonesia Development or known as Yayasan Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun (YIIM), supported by Insight Investments Management Company (Insight IM), has launched the “Skilled and Empowered Community” (MATA) program, a culinary entrepreneurship training initiative aimed at the public. Culinary skills offer promising economic opportunities, particularly for low-income communities in both urban and rural areas. The strong interest of Indonesians in food presents a promising economic prospect for creative entrepreneurs.

At present, the culinary business sector offers increasing profitability and substantial opportunities. With the advancement of technology, managing a culinary business—especially in terms of marketing—has become significantly easier. The growing number of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) based on home cooking has made the idea of starting a frozen food business highly attractive among entrepreneurs. The market potential for the frozen food industry is considerable.

One of the core objectives of YIIM’s Culinary Training Program is to equip participants with the skills to prepare simple yet marketable dishes. The training includes both theoretical instruction and practical hands-on sessions involving the processing of raw ingredients. In this session, the main trainer was Umaroch, supported by Ely Widyawati as assistant trainer—both of whom are alumni of YIIM’s culinary training program and are currently active entrepreneurs in the culinary field.

The cooking training was held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the office of The Foundation for Inspiration of Indonesia Development, located at Grand Wijaya Centre Street Block F/62B, RT.6/RW.1, Pulo Subdistrict, Kebayoran Baru District, South Jakarta City, Special Capital Region of Jakarta. The training ran from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (WIB). A total of 10 out of 12 selected participants attended the session. The participants came from underprivileged communities and included individuals who had recently lost their jobs due to layoffs.

The event commenced with opening remarks by Isnaeni Setiawan, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Coordinator, who stated:
“In line with our tagline, ‘Investments to Social Impact,’ INSIGHT IM encourages the public to invest while creating a positive social impact. INSIGHT IM is an investment and mutual fund distribution company that also offers investors the opportunity to invest while contributing to social good through our CSR programs. Together with YIIM, INSIGHT IM consistently organizes CSR activities to foster community empowerment, one of which is this cooking training program. We hope this training brings real benefits to the participants.”

Following this, a speech was delivered by Maria Dewi Yanti, Secretary and representative of the YIIM board, who shared:
“YIIM has been established for 10 years, and one of our flagship programs is social entrepreneurship training that includes a variety of skill-building opportunities, one of which is culinary training. These programs are made possible with the support of our partner, Insight IM. Our hope is that participants will make the most of this opportunity to gain knowledge and experience, and apply it to become independent entrepreneurs. Ideally, the outcomes of this training can also support the well-being of the participants’ families.”

Following the opening remarks, the training session proceeded with a presentation by the trainer, covering topics such as the selection of basic ingredients, an introduction to fundamental menu techniques, product packaging methods, and cost of goods sold (COGS) calculation for each recipe.

After the theoretical session, participants took part in a hands-on cooking practice. The participants were divided into four groups. In the first session, the trainer demonstrated how to prepare Ekado Quail Eggs. In the second session, participants learned how to make Stuffed Tofu with Various Toppings. Each menu was introduced step-by-step, from ingredient identification to the preparation process, with guidance provided by both the trainer and assistant trainer.

Throughout the event, participants were highly engaged and asked many questions directly to the training team. Additionally, each participant was given the opportunity to practice preparing all the dishes featured in the training. The event concluded with a discussion and Q&A session, followed by the awarding of certificates to all participants.

Mike Rhoma Prianthyi, one of the training participants, expressed his appreciation, stating:
“Thank you to YIIM and Insight IM for providing us with this culinary skills training. I hope this training can broaden our knowledge in the frozen food business and inspire all participants to pursue entrepreneurship with enthusiasm.”

This program also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1: No Poverty; Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; and Goal 10: Reduced Inequality. It represents a tangible commitment by YIIM and Insight IM to channel social funds in ways that create positive socio-economic impacts for communities.

YIIM is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting people from all walks of life, established by individuals devoted to social and humanitarian causes. In pursuit of this mission, YIIM remains open to all forms of collaboration with stakeholders from various sectors, to ensure that support can be effectively delivered to those in need.

Salam Inspirasi!
(Inspirational regards!)