“Never give up. Winners never quit and quitters never win,” observed Ted Turner, capturing the unyielding spirit required to endure life’s toughest trials.

Yayasan Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun (YIIM), alongside its dedicated partner PT Insight Investments Management (INSIGHT), takes pride in sharing the inspiring journey of a culinary training (Baking Class) alumnus, Muslih Ridwan (45), affectionately called Kang Muslih.

YIIM and INSIGHT firmly believe that programs nurturing micro-entrepreneurs like Muslih Ridwan directly support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1: No Poverty and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Muslih is one of many graduates of the social entrepreneurship programs designed by YIIM and INSIGHT to equip low-income and vulnerable citizens with practical market capabilities, strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The chicken noodle training recipe from the culinary program is accessible via YIIM’s public drive: YIIM Culinary Training Recipe Book. YIIM has openly published all culinary training recipes from 2018 to 2020 for the benefit and education of the public.

YIIM and INSIGHT remain committed to encouraging vocational alumni to launch independent businesses, continuously innovate, and serve as changemakers sharing inspiration within their communities.

As the sole provider for his household, Muslih shoulders significant responsibilities, including monthly schooling costs of approximately IDR 500,000 for his child currently in the 8th grade of junior high school.

To support his child, Muslih pursued any honest work available. Although divorced, he pushed himself relentlessly to provide for his family despite dealing with health recovery challenges following a mild stroke.

Before participating in YIIM’s culinary training, Muslih relied on precarious odd jobs, which often left him returning home without any earnings to meet basic family needs.

His life changed when a friend shared news about the social entrepreneurship courses provided by YIIM and INSIGHT.

Recognizing a golden opportunity to improve his household’s economic situation, Muslih enrolled with enthusiasm. He participated in a chicken noodle cooking course conducted in collaboration with Titan Baking. Upon finishing the program, he developed and submitted a business equipment grant proposal to launch a chicken noodle stall.

Impressed by his commitment, diligence, and positive participation throughout the course, YIIM and INSIGHT approved his proposal for business equipment support.

Equipped with cooking gear and a food cart, Muslih officially inaugurated his culinary stall under the brand “Mie Iwan.”

Food enthusiasts residing in West Jakarta can enjoy Muslih’s chicken noodles at Jalan Tanjung Duren Barat 5, Gang Manggis 2 B-5, RT 006/RW 006 No. 7, Tanjung Duren Utara.

Muslih operates daily from 09:00 to 16:00 WIB. Over time, he has innovated by introducing additional items, such as chicken rice vermicelli (bihun), giving patrons diverse meal options. On average, he sells 20 bowls daily, generating a monthly revenue ranging from IDR 2,000,000 to IDR 5,000,000.

Although launched relatively recently in late August 2020, Muslih is deeply grateful that proceeds from his stall adequately fulfill his family’s daily household needs and his child’s schooling fees.

Muslih expresses profound gratitude for his partnership with YIIM, which has meaningfully transformed his economic livelihood.

While attending to his customers, Muslih remarked:

“I extend my sincere gratitude to YIIM and INSIGHT for organizing the culinary entrepreneurship training and providing me with chicken noodle business equipment. Before this training, I was an odd-job laborer with unpredictable income. Since establishing my own stall, my earnings have increased significantly, allowing me to meet my family’s needs. It has also motivated me to support my children’s education to the highest level possible. May YIIM and INSIGHT continue spreading positive support to underserved communities, especially during this challenging pandemic.”

Muslih takes immense pride in being part of YIIM and INSIGHT’s economic empowerment network. He is resolved to expand his enterprise so he can eventually support others. Sharing skills and benefits is a foundational principle that Muslih and fellow alumni uphold—values instilled by YIIM throughout the training and mentorship process.

May the economic empowerment initiatives of Yayasan Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun continue to nurture determined, resilient changemakers like Kang Muslih who uplift themselves and their communities.

Salam Inspirasi!