SUMEDANG, WEST JAVA – It is Budi Septiono (33), a former technician who has traded his wrench for coffee beans. He changed the course of his life and ‘brewed’ inspiration for others. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, the transformative potential of education and the blessing of zakat benefits.
Budi’s life changed drastically during the Covid-19 pandemic. He was forced to be laid off from his contract job in an industrial area in Tangerang. Armed with a deep interest in coffee, he decided to channel his energy into his hobby. Together with his friends, Budi began experimenting with roasting and brewing coffee from a terrace, but he became increasingly curious for more knowledge and skills.
“I’ve known coffee since I was a kid, I liked to join my parents’ coffee tasting. The inspiration before the pandemic started from getting a job to repair a coffee machine from a client who is a fairly large coffee company in Indonesia. From there came an interest, if I say, drinking delicious coffee,” said Budi, meeting with the Dompet Dhuafa team at his coffee shop, JC7 Cafe Jatinangor, Wednesday (23/10/2024).
From there Budi began to learn, buy and keep a variety of simple coffee-making equipment/machines to enjoy coffee at home.
“One time my friends and I were having coffee on the terrace, when suddenly someone came and ordered coffee from me. Maybe because at first glance the coffee equipment looks like a shop. Well, this confused me as well as sparked me,” he admits again.
It was a difficult time after being laid off. Budi tried to apply for jobs here and there, but to no avail. Then he tried to survive by selling roasted beans and trying to supply several coffee shops.
“I was laid off for a long time, almost three years. But I had to survive, so I learned a lot and discussed with friends who were already in the coffee business. I try to sell roasted beans and supply to coffee shops in Bandung, getting up to two kilograms per week,” he explained.
In an effort to improve his skills, Budi joined the barista training program at Dompet Dhuafa ‘s Institute of Independence (IK). Together with facilitator Syaiful Bari, the six-day intensive training not only honed his technical skills, but also fostered an entrepreneurial spirit in him.
“This training changed everything,” Budi recalls. “The training was not only about the technical aspects of coffee making, it was also about understanding the nuances of taste, the art of serving, and the importance of customer service,” he continued.
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Armed with new knowledge and confidence, Budi became more confident in expanding his coffee activities. He partnered with a friend, who liked his coffee blends, to open a coffee shop in Jatinangor. The location, surrounded by universities, proved to be perfect for his target market. The shop, which was launched in October 2024, is for Budi a dream turned into a reality gate to enter a new era in his life.
“Seeing people enjoy the coffee we serve is a great satisfaction. Until we meet friends and good people who like our coffee, it becomes like this (coffee shop),” said Budi. “This place is not only limited to enjoying coffee, but discussion is also a place to learn for anyone. Just like me who also learns from many people.”
“I never thought at all that I would be sitting here today as a businessman, because my basic is an employee, a technician,” said Budi.
Budi’s journey is clear evidence of the impact of productive zakat management through education and training programs in empowering individuals and changing society. Abdurrahman Usman, Director of Dompet Dhuafa’s Institute of Independence, emphasized the Institute’s commitment to providing opportunities for marginalized groups. The presence of IK vocational school through this training is IK’s effort to break the mindset from survival and fabrication, business mentality to responsibility, impact, and consequences.
“Through IK’s training programs, we aim to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed,” Usman said.
“Budi’s story is a shining example of how education can empower people to break free from poverty and build a better future. Looking for instructors is not just about teaching and being certified, but also having an impact, attracting to the same circle, the same vision and value (social & sustainable). The value of usefulness is in our alumni, including Mas Budi.”
For information, in October 2024, IK Dompet Dhuafa also received an appreciation from the Ministry of National Development Planning (PPN)/National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), namely the Indonesia’s SDGs Action Awards 2024 “Third Best in the Philanthropy Category” for the Institute of Independence program. The award was presented directly by the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia (VP RI) K.H. Ma’ruf Amin in the opening ceremony of the 7th SDGs Annual Conference (SAC) held at the Fairmont Hotel, Central Jakarta.
The Institute of Independence was born from the issues of poverty and unemployment. On the other hand, the dropout rate is increasing, leaving young people without positive activities. Thus, they are vulnerable to criminal activities that can cause new social problems. Since its establishment in 2005, Dompet Dhuafa’s Institute of Self-Reliance began to move by intervening in programs in the form of teaching and vocational training.
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The goal is that the participants who take part in the training have capital in the form of skills and mentality that are ready to enter the world of work and industry, as well as entrepreneurship. Thus, this program can contribute to reducing unemployment and poverty in Indonesia. Since then, Institut Kemandirian has graduated 8,031 alumni beneficiaries.
While continuing to develop his business, Budi remains grateful for the opportunities that have come his way. He aspires to expand his coffee shop network and share his passion with a wider audience. His journey from a technician to a coffee connoisseur is an inspiration for everyone, proving that with the right dedication and support, anyone can achieve their dreams. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photo: Dhika Prabowo
Editor: Dedi Fadlil