Atiek Andrajati (45 years old), or familiarly known as Ibu Atiek, is an alumna of the cooking (baking) training organized by the Inspires Indonesia to Build Foundation (YIIM) together with PT Insight Investments Management (INSIGHT) in 2020. This training is one of the community economic empowerment programs that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 1 on ending poverty and number 10 on reducing inequality.

Currently, Ibu Atiek lives with her husband and one child in a boarding house in the Cempaka Putih area, Central Jakarta. Ibu Atiek and her family are entrusted to manage the boarding house. Her husband’s daily activities include running laundry, refillable water gallon, and gas businesses. Ibu Atiek’s child is currently in college and is focusing on finishing their thesis.

Before joining the training, Ibu Atiek ran a grocery stall, burger, and nasi uduk business. Previously, she ran her business in the Sudirman office area, Central Jakarta. However, in 2012, when severe floods hit Jakarta, the office closed, and eventually Ibu Atiek sold food from home. While at home, she received orders for various foods and cakes.

Over time, Ibu Atiek’s catering business grew under the name “Kenken Catering” and received orders via telephone and WhatsApp. Many boarding house residents ordered from Ibu Atiek for office events. In this business, Ibu Atiek is assisted by her husband and child.

The Beginning of Joining the Training

Ibu Atiek was first invited by one of her neighbors to join a cooking training held by YIIM and INSIGHT at Wisma Maros and the RT 10 Pos Cempaka Putih. After the training, Ibu Atiek had the opportunity to receive business assistance equipment in the form of a steamer pot (28 cm size).

“This training was very useful; it was good at calling people who previously had small businesses so they could grow.” she said.

After the training, Ibu Atiek continued to run her business selling nasi box and snack box. There are various menus made by Ibu Atiek, such as grilled chicken, soto, shrimp tempura, chicken/meat. There are various prices for nasi box and snack box ordered by Ibu Atiek’s customers. For nasi box, prices start from IDR 15,000 to IDR 25,000/box, and for snack box, a minimum of IDR 5,000/box. Ibu Atiek determined these prices based on discussions with customers.

In addition to nasi box and snack box, Ibu Atiek also receives orders for cookies. These cookies are priced at IDR 40,000/jar for half a kilogram. During Eid al-Fitr and Christmas, Ibu Atiek receives many orders, up to 6 dozen, and these orders are shipped out of town using expedition services.

During her catering business, Ibu Atiek earns a gross monthly income of around IDR 4,000,000 – IDR 5,000,000 and a net monthly income of around IDR 3,000,000 – IDR 4,000,000.

Inviting Surrounding Residents to Collaborate

Due to limited manpower, sometimes Ibu Atiek needs additional people to help with her business. For example, when she received an order for 1500 boxes of rice for the Civil Service Police Unit (Pol PP) for morning, afternoon, and evening. Eventually, Ibu Atiek invited women from the surrounding neighborhood to help cook. The local women were very happy and enthusiastic when invited by Ibu Atiek.

After that, Ibu Atiek invited the local women several more times to help with her business. Ibu Atiek also sometimes gives orders to surrounding women who also have catering businesses.

“Sometimes, if I am tired or have other matters, I pass the orders on to my neighbor who also has a catering business. It is somewhat a way to share good fortune.” said Ibu Atiek.

Looking to the future, Ibu Atiek hopes to continue running her business and have it always run smoothly. She also conveyed her hopes for YIIM and also INSIGHT:

“I hope YIIM can be even better and hold baking training with even more varied menus.”

For those of you who are curious to try Ibu Atiek’s cooking, you can contact this number: 0877 8251 0832

Salam Inspirasi!