On March 28-29, 2022, as many as 15 correctional clients (Warga Binaan Pemasyarakatan/WBP) participated in Entrepreneurship Management Training held at the Hall of Bapas Class I Malang, East Java. Seven of them were high-risk clients, former prisoners of terrorism crimes (ex-napiter), who are undergoing guidance at Bapas Malang.

This training program aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) numbers 1, 2, 8, 10, 16, and 17, which have been proclaimed by the government through Presidential Regulation Number 59 of 2017 concerning the Implementation of Achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

To strengthen and contribute to the deradicalization and empowerment program for former terrorism prisoners, the Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun Foundation (YIIM) collaborated with the Class I Malang Correctional Center (Bapas Class I Malang), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism – UN Counter Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), and From the People of Japan.

This activity was attended by Mr. Sugandi, Head of Bapas Class I Malang, and Mr. Kristian Patrasio, a representative from UNODC.

The ceremonial event was officially opened by Mr. Sugandi, who in his remarks stated, “This training activity is a manifestation of Bapas Malang’s commitment to restore the lives, livelihoods, and well-being of you all after serving your sentences. Therefore, we hope that you can participate in this training with sincerity, enthusiasm, and can apply this entrepreneurial knowledge at home and in the community later,” said Sugandi to all training participants.

The next remarks were delivered by Mr. Kristian, stating, “Thank you to Bapas Malang and YIIM for collaborating with UNODC to create peace through soft skills training for ex-terrorist clients and general crime clients. This training is one of UNODC’s efforts to support clients in returning to society and being able to meet their needs independently. We also hope that participants can make the best use of this training, and we look forward to seeing the results.”

On the same occasion, Mr. Chrisbiantoro (Chairman of the YIIM Board) conveyed:

“We are very grateful to Bapas Malang and UNODC for the opportunity to share benefits with ex-terrorist clients and general crime clients under the guidance of Bapas Malang. In line with the spirit of YIIM’s vision and mission to share inspiration with people from all backgrounds. Community economic empowerment is one of YIIM’s flagship programs. Through entrepreneurial management soft skills, we hope that you can become agents of change, both in your families and communities. We hope you can make the most of this opportunity and do not hesitate to ask questions to the trainers.”

Over the two days of training, participants were given various materials on entrepreneurship management. The materials provided included: 1# how to think and behave as an entrepreneur, 2# advancing SMEs through Product Innovation, 3# Services and hospitality, business financial bookkeeping, 4# online and offline marketing, 5# SME legality, and 6# coffee barista skills.

All training participants were very enthusiastic in following the training and were also active in asking questions. In addition, participants were given the opportunity to work in groups and present their group work results, as well as various simulations of tools provided by the committee, such as bookkeeping books and calculators. One participant named Irvan Suhardianto, an ex-terrorist client and owner of a barbershop business, asked the trainer how to overcome the feeling of wanting to develop a business but having fear, and what real steps could be taken as a solution.

Furthermore, in the legality session, participants were taught how to create a Business Identification Number (NIB), where an NIB is very much needed to facilitate participants who have or will have businesses to receive assistance for business development and access to financing from financial institutions. One participant, Mr. Bambang, who already runs a chicken farming business, asked whether it is necessary to have more than one NIB if we have business branches. The trainer then answered that one NIB is sufficient.

On the last day, participants were given coffee barista skills by Humam Hasan, one of YIIM’s beneficiaries who is also a former client of Bapas Class I Central Jakarta. Humam is also a barista trainer who frequently provides training for people from pre-prosperous backgrounds, correctional clients, survivors, and those protected by LPSK.

On this occasion, the provision of skills in making bottled coffee and non-coffee drinks is expected to be utilized by participants to develop additional businesses and increase additional income at their business locations.

Then, before the closing ceremony, participants were also given the opportunity to provide evaluations and expectations regarding the training. On average, participants expressed a desire for the training and mentoring to continue so that the businesses they are starting and running will become stronger, more productive, and beneficial to many people.

As a form of contribution to the wider community, especially vulnerable groups, YIIM hopes to collaborate with government and private institutions to create social impact and spread benefits. This is also to support government programs to reduce poverty and accelerate the achievement of the SDGs.

Salam Inspirasi!