“Even though I only graduated from junior high school, I always want to learn new things to expand my business and support my family.”

These are the words spoken by Tumini Tuban as she continues to be enthusiastic in advancing her business.

Tumini Tuban (47), commonly known as Tumini, is a mother of three children living in Bali. Tumini is a survivor of the 2002 Bali bombing. She sustained physical injuries and material losses following the terrorist bombing in Bali. Due to this incident, her husband was unable to work because of health problems, forcing Tumini to work hard to support her family members. Tumini and her family are protected under the Indonesian Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK-RI). Tumini and her family were also burdened with a substantial amount of debt due to the bankruptcy of their boarding house business caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2021, Tumini participated in a social entrepreneurship training on cooking skills organized by the Indonesian Inspiring Development Foundation (YIIM).

This training program is a collaboration between YIIM and LPSK-RI, also supported by the UNITED NATIONS OFFICE on DRUGS and CRIME (UNODC), to help empower the economy of survivors of terrorism crimes and victims of severe human rights violations. This Social Entrepreneurship Training aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Number 1 (ending poverty in all its forms everywhere), SDGs Number 10 (reducing inequality), and SDGs Number 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The training aims to create entrepreneurs and self-reliant individuals.

Before joining the cooking training, Tumini admitted that she could only cook a few types of food such as soto, fried chicken with lalapan, and similar dishes. Despite the limited conditions in her hometown, she did not give up on changing her circumstances. Armed with information from a neighbor about the cooking training held by YIIM and LPSK-RI, Tumini then enrolled in the training to make frozen foods such as cakes, donuts, banana nuggets, risoles, and crispy chicken. She eventually passed the final selection stage and had the opportunity to undergo 5-6 days of training in Jakarta. Furthermore, in February 2022, Tumini received cooking equipment such as a gas stove, gas cylinder, two-door refrigerator, and a mixer from YIIM.

Thanks to the skills and cooking equipment she received, Tumini was able to expand her trade. Previously, she only ran a small eatery at home; now, she has opened a frozen food kiosk at a market in Bali. She sells various types of food taught during the YIIM cooking and entrepreneurship training. One of the most popular menu items is crispy chicken. At the end of 2021, Tumini received an order for a birthday event consisting of 100 boxes of crispy chicken rice. Until now, Tumini’s products are selling very well; her stall at the market and the one in her yard are always busy with customers, and she still frequently receives large catering orders.

Tumini’s sales revenue has been steadily increasing lately. Every month, Tumini earns a net profit of Rp4,500,000 – Rp5,000,000 from selling frozen food, the rice stall, and a small grocery stall. This is supported by the diverse product range thanks to the cooking skills acquired from YIIM’s entrepreneurship training. Tumini’s customers admit that the food at her stall tastes better after Tumini completed YIIM’s cooking training. The success of Tumini’s business also benefits the education funding of her youngest child, who is currently in junior high school.

“Alhamdulillah, my business is growing bigger, and I hope it will be enough to pay for my child’s schooling until he can achieve his dream of becoming a police officer.”

According to Tumini, the training organized by YIIM is highly beneficial because the knowledge and cooking equipment she received have impacted the growth of her business significantly. Now, Tumini is grateful that she can change her family’s economy and has a main income from her business. She is committed to continuing to advance her business to open new branches/stores in other places. Finally, she hopes that more SMEs will be created from YIIM’s cooking and entrepreneurship training program together with LPSK. Through this program, YIIM is very open to anyone who wants to support social programs, one of which is community empowerment.

For friends who are curious to try the culinary delights of Ibu Tumini Tuban, you can visit Warung Cika, Jalan Taman Griya 1 No. 11, Tuban Village, Kuta District, Badung Regency, Bali, or via phone number +62 821 4485 7919.

Salam Inspirasi!