Small Business Owners Trained in Modern Melinjo Crackers Production

Jakarta — The Indonesia Setara Foundation (YIS), together with Gebrakan Anak Negeri (GAN), conducted a Culinary Workshop on Melinjo Cracker Processing, Melinjo-Brownies Topping Melinjo, and Caramel Melinjo. The activity, held at Saung Ibu Nani, Parungsari Village, Sindangsari District, Lebak Regency, Banten, was attended by 50 housewives.

YIS Founder Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno stated that the institution, which he established 11 years ago, focuses on empowering persons with disabilities, young people, and women. He expressed hope that through the training, participants would acquire new skills in processing melinjo into value-added products that can be produced and sold.

In this way, housewives are expected to build economic independence through small businesses managed autonomously. “One of the programmes we run continuously is Empowered Women across various regions. We teach culinary skills, such as today’s melinjo processing training,” said Sandiaga in a written statement in Jakarta on Friday (27 February 2026).

Beyond baking skills, participants also received digital marketing training. They were taught to create promotional flyer designs using artificial intelligence (AI) technology whilst building networking among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to encourage sustained sales.

“Subsequently, through a one-month mentoring programme, the women will also receive capital assistance and guidance. This enables them to start selling immediately,” explained Sandiaga.