In a modest kitchen on Jalan Barukang 3, Makassar, Ammar began his struggle. Since his father passed away two years ago, he has been the backbone of his family. Every day, he cooks food to sell, which his cousin then markets. The business ran as it was — without financial records, without planning, and without any certainty of profit. What mattered was that it was enough to eat that day.
Change began when Ammar met a field staff member from the Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (PKBI) INKLUSI, who introduced him to a business empowerment program for the gender-diverse community. At first, he was hesitant. His business felt too small, and he lacked the confidence to join the training. But that hesitation slowly faded after he took part in a three-day training program.
From there, Ammar began learning things that had previously seemed complicated: calculating capital, setting selling prices, separating business money from personal money, and recording income and expenses. He also came to understand the importance of building a business identity and maintaining product quality.
“My business used to be seen as just a way to survive — now it feels like it has a clearer direction. I feel more confident because I know my business can grow,” said Ammar.
The support did not stop at training. PKBI INKLUSI also helped Ammar obtain a Business Registration Number (NIB) and a Indonesian Health Card (KIS). When his NIB was officially issued, Ammar felt how the business he had once considered merely a means of getting by now had legality and recognition. He was no longer just “selling in front of the house” — he was beginning to stand as a legitimate business owner.
This change was significant not only because Ammar’s business became more organized, but also because it touched on his dignity and sense of security. With financial records, Ammar could see the real progress of his business and begin planning for the future. With the NIB, he had a legal business identity. With the KIS, both he and his mother had health coverage.
Beyond that, the change also impacted his self-confidence.
“I feel more valued, more daring to dream, and I no longer feel like I’m walking alone,” he said.
He is now part of a mutually supportive network, while also becoming an inspiration to other gender-diverse friends — showing that even a small business can grow if managed well and supported with the right guidance.
Through the INKLUSI Program, PKBI serves as a learning facilitator and mentor. The support provided goes beyond technical training — it also opens access to business legality and social protection. The inclusive approach made Ammar feel accepted without stigma, allowing his learning process to unfold with greater confidence. Support from the INKLUSI Secretariat further strengthened program implementation, enabling mentoring to be carried out in a more structured and sustainable manner.
Today, the small kitchen on Jalan Barukang is no longer merely a place for cooking. It has become a symbol of real change. From that simple space, Ammar began to organize his life with a clearer direction — no longer just surviving from day to day, but building a future with renewed conviction.
