The coffee industry is expanding rapidly, offering a variety of flavors, prices, venues, and sales methods that create new job opportunities. Recognizing this trend, eight individuals with hearing impairments participated in the “Kopi Tutur Rasa” training program under Midtown Connect, aimed at developing skilled new baristas. “The launch of Midtown Connect is intended to build a good ecosystem, not only internally within hotel management but also externally with the surrounding community, such as with individuals with hearing impairments,” explained Donny M., Corporate General Manager of Midtown Hotels Indonesia.
Midtown Hotel Group in Surabaya Launches “Kopi Tutur Rasa” Featuring Baristas with Hearing Impairments
Previously, from August 19 to 23, 2024, Midtown Hotels Indonesia provided foundational training for participants with hearing impairments on various aspects of coffee. Led by Mr. Gantok, owner of Kroesel Coffee Academy, the training covered the basics, including the history of coffee, an introduction to coffee beans, and brewing techniques using manual methods.
Next, the participants were introduced to coffee machines commonly used in cafes, restaurants, and hotels. They practiced making coffee directly alongside senior hotel baristas, learning to process coffee beans into espresso as a base for various coffee menus, including cappuccino, latte, and other contemporary variations.
In addition to coffee-making, they also received essential training on guest and customer service. Guided by Mrs. Elisha, Corporate Human Resource Manager of Midtown Hotels Indonesia, they learned about maintaining professionalism, dressing neatly, moderate grooming, and offering a warm and genuine smile to all guests.
The enthusiasm and eagerness of all participants with hearing impairments were evident throughout the training sessions, as they actively engaged in learning and practice. This was highlighted by Dandi, one of the participants who is also a swimming athlete and a student in sports education at a university in Malang. He expressed, “Alhamdulillah, thank you for helping me learn to be a barista; I hope to improve further in the future,” using Bisindo sign language.
On Thursday, August 29, 2024, “Kopi Tutur Rasa” was officially launched, featuring eight baristas with hearing impairments who will work part-time across four hotels: Midtown Hotel Surabaya, Midtown Residence Surabaya, Crown Prince Hotel Surabaya, and Verwood Hotel & Serviced Residence Surabaya, from September to December 2024.
The launch event took place in the lobby of Midtown Residence Surabaya, also serving as a ceremonial agenda for distributing certificates of training participation, introducing the baristas, and presenting them with aprons and name pins as a symbol of their welcome to the Midtown Hotels Indonesia family. The eight baristas of Kopi Tutur Rasa are named Dandi, Rio, Dayyan, Akbar, Wijaya, Devi, Anya, and Della.
Mr. Anthony Clark, the Deputy Consul General of Australia in Surabaya, was the first VIP guest to enjoy coffee made by Devi, one of the baristas with hearing impairments. He was highly impressed with their presence, as they showcased their skills in crafting coffee menus for the invited guests.
Hotel guests who book rooms through the website www.midtown.id or walk-in reservations will automatically receive a benefit to choose one menu item from Kopi Tutur Rasa. This kind of interaction is expected to build confidence among individuals with hearing impairments, provide real work experience, and foster an inclusive and equitable ecosystem.
The Kopi Tutur Rasa program was made possible with the remarkable support of contributors such as Mr. Wawan from TIBA (Bisindo Accessibility Team Surabaya), Mr. Abhi from TATULI (Stories from Deaf Friends), Kroesel Coffee Academy, MilkLab, and Monin.