The evening sky in West Sumbawa felt warmer for Riyon Septiawan as he envisioned his future in the hospitality industry. This was more than just a fleeting aspiration—it was a calling that took him far from home, all the way to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Mastering the Craft, Seizing the Opportunity
From an early age, Riyon was fascinated by coffee. His passion extended beyond brewing; he wanted to understand its history, benefits, and the artistry behind each cup.
His big break came in 2021 when PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMMAN) launched a hospitality training program. Without hesitation, he enrolled, specializing as a barista.
Through hard work and dedication, Riyon refined his skills—not only in crafting “latte art” and precise brewing but also in communication, English proficiency, and developing a professional attitude. His confidence grew in tandem with his expertise.
After completing his training, he gained hands-on experience at some of West Nusa Tenggara’s renowned cafés, including Rumah Kebun Café & Resto, Kampung Ombak Coffee, and JFB Coffee Shop. Each establishment had their own Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which taught him now to adapt to the distinct demands of each workplace.
“Working in NTB was invaluable. Every café had different SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), which taught me to be both disciplined and flexible,” he said.
However, working in Indonesia came with challenges. Baristas were often expected to multitask—handling customer service, managing the cash register, and even assisting in the kitchen. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, Riyon embraced these demands as opportunities to grow.
A once-in-a-lifetime chance emerged when his mentor, who had worked in Saudi Arabia, recommended him for a position at Kiffa Roaster, a prestigious café in Jeddah.
“This opportunity came thanks to my mentor at Bije Jari, AMMAN’s hospitality training partner. I’m grateful to take my experience to the next level,” he said.
Brewing Success in Jeddah
Adapting to Saudi Arabia’s workplace culture was an eye-opening experience. The country enforces stringent hygiene and time-management standards. Riyon had to quickly adjust to new protocols, such as wearing gloves, masks, and head coverings while working. Serving hundreds of international customers daily further strengthened his confidence and expertise.
Looking ahead, Riyon dreams of opening his own business and applying his overseas experience to elevate Indonesia’s hospitality industry—especially in West Sumbawa, which produces high-quality Rarak coffee.
“I hope the coffee industry in West Sumbawa grows and gains wider recognition, particularly for our unique local coffee beans,” he said.
AMMAN’s Hospitality Training: Opening Doors to the Future
Riyon credits AMMAN’s training program for equipping him with the skills needed to thrive abroad.
“AMMAN’s program was crucial in helping me adapt to working overseas,” he said.
Encouraging young Indonesians to pursue their passions, he added, “Give your best in every opportunity. When you work, work 100%. When you eat, eat like it’s your last meal!”
His journey proves that with hard work, perseverance, and the right support, even the most ambitious dreams can become reality.
