IKEA Social Entrepreneurship and IKEA Indonesia recently launched the first-ever Front Day Sustainability, a unique extension of our Front Days tradition. This initiative brings IKEA co-workers closer to the communities we serve. It’s a mutual exchange: co-workers gain insights into social entrepreneurship and local sustainability efforts, while social enterprises benefit from their expertise and support.
The first visit took place at Java Fresh in Tasikmalaya, West Java, where co-workers from IKEA Indonesia and IKEA Supply Area South East Asia were offered a deep dive into sustainable business practices and community empowerment. Java Fresh, a social enterprise in the current I-SEA cohort, focuses on exporting tropical fruits while integrating sustainable agricultural practices and creating jobs for local women.
The second day took co-workers straight to the heart of Java Fresh’s work. They learned about polyculture farming at the orchards, an innovative approach that grows multiple crops together to protect biodiversity and ecosystems—a sustainable alternative to monoculture farming. They also participated in composting activities, chopping mangosteen peels that Java Fresh uses to create organic fertiliser, showcasing how local resources can minimise waste and benefit the land.
In the packing houses, co-workers observed the speed and precision of the women packers as they cleaned, sorted, and packaged fruits for export. Seeing the entire supply chain in action highlighted Java Fresh’s commitment to creating jobs while maintaining high-quality standards.
The visit also spotlighted Java Fresh’s research into extending the shelf life of mangosteen fruit. With support from I-SEA, the team is developing techniques to keep mangosteens fresh for up to 45 days (up from the current 9-day duration)—a potential game-changer for farmers and communities in remote regions. If successful, this innovation could expand opportunities for local producers to reach global markets.
Another co-worker, Tri Utami Ramadhiyanti, shared a similar sentiment: “Seeing how these programmes directly improve people’s welfare shows how sustainability and business can go hand in hand.”
Front Day Sustainability is more than a learning opportunity—it encourages co-workers to embrace IKEA’s values of Togetherness and Caring for People and Planet. At the same time, it equips social enterprises like Java Fresh with support to scale their impact. The initiative is organised as part of I-SEA (Instellar and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship Accelerator), which supports innovative social enterprises addressing local challenges and creating a better everyday life for people from marginalised communities such as smallholder farmers, women, and at-risk youth.
The I-SEA programme began in 2022. Following a successful first cohort supporting 10 enterprises, it was extended for two more years to deepen its impact and support a further 20 social enterprises. Through I-SEA, social enterprises receive mentorship, access to funding, and opportunities to scale their work, benefiting people and the planet.
As IKEA continues to explore new ways to drive positive change, initiatives like Front Day Sustainability demonstrate the power of collaboration, empathy, and innovation. We hope this inspires co-workers across the business to bring the same spirit of sustainability and social impact to their own teams, projects, and lives.
The first visit took place at Java Fresh in Tasikmalaya, West Java, where co-workers from IKEA Indonesia and IKEA Supply Area South East Asia were offered a deep dive into sustainable business practices and community empowerment. Java Fresh, a social enterprise in the current I-SEA cohort, focuses on exporting tropical fruits while integrating sustainable agricultural practices and creating jobs for local women.
Fresh lessons in sustainability and community development
On day one, Java Fresh welcomed co-workers with a traditional Indonesian lunch before joining a workshop for Java Fresh’s packers, most of whom were women. The session was facilitated by Yayasan Teman Saling Berbagi (YTSB), which focused on financial management skills, empowering the packers to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.The second day took co-workers straight to the heart of Java Fresh’s work. They learned about polyculture farming at the orchards, an innovative approach that grows multiple crops together to protect biodiversity and ecosystems—a sustainable alternative to monoculture farming. They also participated in composting activities, chopping mangosteen peels that Java Fresh uses to create organic fertiliser, showcasing how local resources can minimise waste and benefit the land.
In the packing houses, co-workers observed the speed and precision of the women packers as they cleaned, sorted, and packaged fruits for export. Seeing the entire supply chain in action highlighted Java Fresh’s commitment to creating jobs while maintaining high-quality standards.
The visit also spotlighted Java Fresh’s research into extending the shelf life of mangosteen fruit. With support from I-SEA, the team is developing techniques to keep mangosteens fresh for up to 45 days (up from the current 9-day duration)—a potential game-changer for farmers and communities in remote regions. If successful, this innovation could expand opportunities for local producers to reach global markets.
Bringing social entrepreneurship home
For Risnawati Kusnandar from IKEA Kota Baru Parahyangan, the experience was inspiring and eye-opening: “This activity reminds me to contribute not just at work but also in my personal life to create a better environment and support local communities.”Another co-worker, Tri Utami Ramadhiyanti, shared a similar sentiment: “Seeing how these programmes directly improve people’s welfare shows how sustainability and business can go hand in hand.”
Front Day Sustainability is more than a learning opportunity—it encourages co-workers to embrace IKEA’s values of Togetherness and Caring for People and Planet. At the same time, it equips social enterprises like Java Fresh with support to scale their impact. The initiative is organised as part of I-SEA (Instellar and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship Accelerator), which supports innovative social enterprises addressing local challenges and creating a better everyday life for people from marginalised communities such as smallholder farmers, women, and at-risk youth.
The I-SEA programme began in 2022. Following a successful first cohort supporting 10 enterprises, it was extended for two more years to deepen its impact and support a further 20 social enterprises. Through I-SEA, social enterprises receive mentorship, access to funding, and opportunities to scale their work, benefiting people and the planet.
As IKEA continues to explore new ways to drive positive change, initiatives like Front Day Sustainability demonstrate the power of collaboration, empathy, and innovation. We hope this inspires co-workers across the business to bring the same spirit of sustainability and social impact to their own teams, projects, and lives.
Thank you to all the co-workers in Indonesia who took part in this initiative!