The JHL Merah Putih Kasih Foundation (YMPK) is collaborating with several restaurants, hotels, and major supermarket chains to support its flagship program. This initiative aims to produce 1,000 graduates in agriculture and animal husbandry over the next five years.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between YMPK and the leadership of various entities, including the Grand Lucky supermarket chain, Angke Jaya Resto, Seven Kingdoms Resto Pluit, Babah Ramu Dine & Bar, Arooma Asian Bistro, Al Gusto Restaurant, Mangan Restaurant, Royal 8 Chinese Dining, Roemah Koffie, JHL Solitaire Gading Serpong Hotel, Episode Gading Serpong Hotel, Herloom Serviced Residence BSD, JSI Resort, JHL Collection, and the Dewa United football club. These establishments consistently prepare meals for 300 individuals on a regular basis. The signing of the MoU took place at the vegetable garden operated by YMPK in partnership with farmers from Pakancilan, Megamendung, in Bogor Regency.
Collaboration with these tenants is essential to ensure that the fresh vegetables produced by farmers are effectively absorbed into the market. This will guarantee a mutually beneficial relationship between the suppliers and buyers of post-harvest vegetables, stated Jerry Hermawan Lo, Chairman of the YMPK Advisory Board.
A distinctive aspect of this collaboration is that YMPK has entrusted the tenants with the authority to set their own prices for the fresh vegetables produced by the farmers. “We sincerely hope that the pricing decisions made by the tenants will resonate with our commitment to the successful execution of the initiative to produce 1,000 graduates in the fields of agriculture and animal husbandry within five years,” remarked Jerry.
Therefore, in addition to collaborating on the sale of fresh vegetables, YMPK and the attending entrepreneurs have agreed to explore broader opportunities for cooperation to support the initiative of producing 1,000 graduates in agriculture and animal husbandry through various other activities.
Enrolling in the Agricultural Vocational School incurs no costs or fees; everything is provided at no charge. The school boasts not only educational facilities but also student accommodations with views of vast cornfields. Additionally, Jerry mentioned that YMPK has established scholarship opportunities for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture and animal husbandry for students who excel academically. This program will be implemented in partnership with IPB, UGM, and other higher education institutions that can accept graduates from the Agricultural Vocational School.
YMPK remains committed to innovation in its pursuit of financial resources to cover school fees, dormitory expenses, and, in the future, the college tuition for its most talented young individuals. As an example, all proceeds from the sale of fresh vegetables cultivated on the foundation’s 6-hectare farm in Megamendung is dedicated to funding these educational initiatives.
Furthermore, the participation of investors plays a vital role in this educational program. “I am grateful that many entrepreneurs have reached out to me, expressing their interest in participating in the initiative to produce 1,000 agricultural graduates. In fact, some of them are eager to have their land managed to support this program,” he stated. The enthusiasm of these entrepreneurs further solidifies Jerry’s confidence that the target of training 1,000 graduates in agriculture and animal husbandry is attainable.