Empowering programs need to be conducted consistently to ensure ongoing benefits that help communities become more self-sufficient. This is the goal of Fish Bank Indonesia, which recently organized a culinary business training program in collaboration with Bogasari Baking Center. The event was held on October 29-30, 2024, at the A5 Building of PGRI University Banyuwangi. This training program is part of the Paradaya Movement, an initiative created by Paragon Corp. and the Indonesia Zakat Forum (FOZ), aimed at building a more empowered Indonesian society.
The training was attended by 25 participants from Banyuwangi and its surrounding areas, focusing on individuals currently unemployed, giving them the opportunity to gain new skills for creating jobs and starting their own businesses. These participants were selected through a screening process to ensure the training reached those who would benefit most. Many of the attendees were members of the Benteng Samudera Processing and Marketing Group (Poklasar) from Ria Bomo Beach in Banyuwangi.
“Our target participants for this training are women from Banyuwangi and nearby areas, especially those from our mentorship program at Bomo Beach,” explained Yuyu Wahyudin, CEO of Fish Bank Indonesia. “Through this training, we want the participants who will start their businesses in Banyuwangi to receive first-hand knowledge from experts about recipes they can utilize.”
The recipes taught by chefs from Bogasari Baking Center included frozen food and other seafood products, designed to help the participants—who will continue to receive support from Fish Bank Indonesia—maximize the local resources available along the coastal areas of Ria Bomo Beach.
“Our hope is to develop their economy and provide them with support to expand both the businesses they currently have and those they’re just starting, to help them become more empowered,” added Yuyu.
Following the training, the Fish Bank Indonesia team will continue to monitor the progress of the MSME owners who participated. Future training sessions are planned to equip participants with additional skills, ensuring they can sustain and grow their businesses. Appreciation goes to Paragon Corp. and the Indonesia Zakat Forum for involving Fish Bank Indonesia and Sinergi Foundation in the Paradaya Movement series: A Collaboration for a More Empowered Indonesia.