June 29, 2024
AROMA Training Prepares 15 Baristas and Coffee Entrepreneurs
Fifteen selected participants completed five days of practical training in espresso, milk preparation, latte art, mocktails, café management, and customer service.
Yayasan Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun (YIIM) and Insight Investments Management delivered the Aksi Peningkatan Usaha Barista Masyarakat (AROMA) program to help economically and socially vulnerable participants develop careers and businesses in the coffee industry.
Fifteen selected participants completed five days of training on 19 to 21 and 24 to 25 June 2024. They were supported by experienced trainers and graduates of earlier AROMA programs.
Chrisbiantoro, Chair of YIIM, encouraged participants to take the program seriously because their progress would be assessed. He emphasized that the course was not simply charitable assistance, but preparation for professional work in coffee shops and barista-led microenterprises.
On the first day, participants completed a pre-test and received an introduction to coffee and the barista profession. The session assessed and strengthened their foundational knowledge.
The second day covered espresso extraction and espresso-based drinks. Participants practiced cappuccino, latte, and Americano recipes and learned to create milk foam using manual and automatic techniques.
On the third day, participants learned latte-art and milk-pouring techniques. The activity encouraged technical accuracy, creativity, and presentation skills.
The fourth day expanded the curriculum beyond coffee through an introduction to mocktails. Participants studied the distinction between mocktails and cocktails, common ingredients, flavored beverage powders, and their application in coffee and non-coffee drinks.
The final day covered cafe management, sales management, and customer service. Participants then completed a coffee-shop role play designed to integrate five days of learning, demonstrate creativity, and build confidence.
Isnaeni Setiawan, representing Insight’s CSR program, highlighted the importance of micro, small, and medium enterprises to Indonesia’s economy. He encouraged participants to recognize that even small businesses could make meaningful contributions to families, communities, and national development.
YIIM expected the program to increase participants’ knowledge, practical ability, employment readiness, and confidence to establish enterprises in the coffee industry.
