Eka and Bulgogi Chicken: New Knowledge, New Skills
Eka Lia Sari, also known as Eka, is a housewife from Kampung Beting. She has been participating in the free nutritious meal program since February 2025 at the Kampung Beting Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) under the Wadah Titian Harapan Foundation. The Dapur Gizi (Nutrition Kitchen) Manager, Ricardo Hutahaean who also the Head of the Kampung Beting Residents’ Association (RW) ensured that residents, including Eka, were included in the program. Currently, Eka is the Cooking Team Coordinator.
*Wadah Titian Harapan Foundation team with Mrs. Eka in Kampung Beting, North Jakarta.
Learning to Cook Through YouTube
Previously, Ricardo invited Eka to participate in a cooking training at the SPPG Bojong Koneng in Bogor. At first glance, the cooking activities seemed simple, but in practice, they turned out to be more challenging than expected. As a housewife, Eka was used to using basic household cooking tools. However, she had to adapt to specialized equipment, such as rice steamers and high-pressure gas stoves.
In addition, she was unfamiliar with dishes such as bulgogi chicken on the menu. She had never heard of let alone cooked such a dish before joining the Dapur Gizi. But Eka kept going and managed master these challenges. As the Cooking Team Coordinator, she gained valuable experience by learning to cook all kinds of different menus. She further refined her skills by studying cooking techniques on YouTube, which helped her excel in her role.
Knowledge and Skills Gained from the Dapur Gizi
The program provided Eka with new expertise that extended beyond cooking. She actively participated in training sessions organized by the Koja Sub-District Health Department (North Jakarta), covering: individual health and food safety policies, latest foodborne diseases and contamination management, kitchen equipment sanitation, and environmental hygiene. The knowledge she gained, such as the composition of nutritious meals (including rice, vegetables, side dishes, and menu variations) and food hygiene practices, can also be applied at home.
*Activities Mrs. Eka in the Nutrion Kitchen as Cooking Team Coordinator
Positive Impact on Family Finances
In addition to gaining new knowledge, working at the Dapur Gizi also has a positive impact on the family’s economy. The income earned regularly helps support daily life. More than that, Eka can set aside part of her income to help her parents, something she had never done before. This became a source of happiness for her.
Eka hopes her work at the Dapur Gizi will bring long-term benefits. One of her biggest dreams is to have her own house, because currently she still lives in a rented house. With hard work and persistence, she is optimistic about achieving this goal in the future.
Author: Sisilia Marieta
Editor: Zul Herman