Jakarta, June 23, 2024 – The Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun Foundation (YIIM), together with Insight Investments Management, carried out an empowerment program for economically and socially vulnerable groups through the Community Barista Business Improvement Action (AROMA). This program is one of the efforts made to provide opportunities for the community, particularly economically and socially vulnerable groups, to explore their potential so they can actively participate in the economic sector, specifically in the coffee industry as baristas. In his remarks, Chrisbiantoro, as Chairman of the Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun Foundation (YIIM), stated that, “this training activity is expected for participants to take the training seriously, as assessments will be conducted for all participants. Furthermore, this training is not merely a charity event, but it contains a moral message for participants, who will later become coffee shop practitioners or MSME baristas.”

In its implementation, this program was attended by 15 participants who successfully passed the selection process. Participants who passed the selection will take part in a 5-day training program from June 19 – 21, 2024, and June 24 – 25, 2024, accompanied by experienced trainers and also previous AROMA program graduates.

On the first day of activities, participants started by filling out a pre-test to assess their knowledge of barista work and coffee. After that, participants were given a basic introduction to being a barista and coffee. The delivery of this material aims to measure and strengthen participants’ foundational knowledge in learning about barista work and coffee.

After the basic introduction to being a barista and coffee, on the second day of training, participants were taught the Basic Techniques for Making Espresso and Espresso-Based Drinks.

On this second day, participants began practicing and training in making several coffee recipes such as Cappuccino, Latte, and Americano, as well as practicing milk frothing through both manual and automatic techniques.

After learning proper milk frothing, on the third day participants learned latte art and milk pouring techniques. With this latte art training, it is hoped that participants can create latte art and also demonstrate skills and creativity that can be poured into latte art.

In addition to coffee material, participants also received material on mocktails. This aims to broaden their knowledge of non-coffee beverages and increase customer interest. On day 4, the trainer introduced mocktails.

The introduction to mocktails was carried out by explaining the theory of mocktails, their difference from cocktails, and the ingredients used.

Besides mocktails, participants also learned about various types of flavored powders for beverages and practiced using flavored powders in coffee and non-coffee drinks.

Entering the final day, participants were equipped with material on cafe management and customer service. This is intended to provide participants with the ability to build appeal in the service sector so that customers get an attractive experience when visiting the place where participants work, as well as coffee sales management. As the final activity, participants were tested on their abilities after participating in the 5-day training by holding a coffee shop roleplay.

This roleplay is expected to enable participants to implement the knowledge gained over the 5 days of training, demonstrate creativity, and build self-confidence.

“Hopefully this training program can provide benefits to the wider community, and because we cannot deny that MSMEs are one of the wheels of the economy. So regarding MSMEs, actually the country’s economy might not be able to run this fast, so believe that your contribution, albeit small, is very meaningful for the development of the country and especially the people around us.” Said the CSR Representative of Insight Investments, Isnaeni Setiawan.

With the holding of this coffee barista training, YIIM hopes to help the community, especially those belonging to vulnerable groups, to be empowered so they can actively participate in the economic sector, particularly the barista and coffee industry. Additionally, it helps participants develop knowledge and skills to start their own businesses.

Salam Inspirasi!