Micro, small, and mid-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are pivotal to Indonesia's economy, contributing approximately 61% to the nation's GDP. Indonesia’s F&B industry—driven largely by MSMEs and micro-entrepreneurs—has maintained steady annual growth of around 4.5%, reaching Rp853.7 trillion (~US$51.5 billion) in 2024. It now stands as the largest contributor to the national economy outside of oil and gas, underscoring both its resilience and central role in the nation’s economic story.
With nearly half a million subscribers to date, Kisarasa by The Daily Company (DailyCo) is an inspiring, independent YouTube series that shines a spotlight on the stories behind some of Indonesia’s most unique and beloved cuisines. With three seasons now available for free, Kisarasa takes viewers straight to the origins where the country’s signature culinary treats are crafted. Hosted by a pair of renowned chefs, the show offers an immersive exploration of culinary traditions throughout a vast and diverse archipelago.
Chef Juna Rorimpandey and Chef Renatta Moeloek are two of Indonesia’s most prominent culinary figures, known widely as judges on MasterChef Indonesia. Chef Juna, trained in the US with a strong background in French and Japanese cuisine, is often seen as a tough and disciplined chef. But in Kisarasa, he reveals a more reflective and culturally curious side.
Chef Renatta, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris graduate, is celebrated for her modern approach to Indonesian cuisine and a deep passion for culinary storytelling. Together, they balance expertise, authenticity, and emotional connection to Kisarasa, guiding viewers through the diverse flavors and rich histories of Indonesian food.
Through immersive storytelling, Kisarasa captures the spirit of Indonesia’s culinary heritage, while championing the unsung heroes behind it—smallholder farmers, food artisans, and local entrepreneurs. The show has helped elevate their voices, bring national visibility to hyperlocal food producers, and offer practical pathways to economic resilience.
With sustainability, inclusion, and empowerment at its core, DailyCo’s model offers a blueprint for how content can fuel both brand growth and real-world impact.
Kelvin Subowo, Founder and CEO of DailyCo, explained, “Kisarasa was never just about creating a great show. As a company focused on societal impact, and with a mission to feed the nation baked into our DNA, the show has been our way of giving a platform to the micro-entrepreneurs who represent a vast and vital part of Indonesia’s economy—farmers, artisans, street vendors, and small-scale producers who are often overlooked. Through Kisarasa, we sought to have them be seen, heard, and experienced—helping them gain exposure, build credibility, and ultimately grow their businesses.”
From Bali’s coffee roasters to spice farmers in Maluku, featured producers have reported increased orders, greater customer awareness, and stronger brand identities since appearing in the show.
Ibu Romlah, featured in Season 01, Episode 08 of Kisarasa, is a standout Kluwek producer. She sources Kluwek—also known as "black nuts"—from local farmers and processes them for sale to restaurants. These nuts are essential spices in traditional Indonesian dishes like Rawon soup. In their raw form, however, Kluwek are poisonous. They become safe to eat only after undergoing a specific fermentation process—an expertise that Ibu Romlah has mastered.
“Being part of Kisarasa gave us a national stage,” explained Ibu Romlah. “After our episode aired, I received new orders from more than 30 restaurant owners—mostly from East and Central Java, with some from Sumatra and a couple from Kalimantan. Recurring orders have increased by around 18% to 25% percent. I sell both raw and fermented Kluwek, but most customers prefer the fermented ones since they’re ready to cook. The fermentation process takes about a week, and originally, my production capacity was around 8 tons per week, but now this has grown.”
As the media and investment world increasingly seeks case studies that merge sustainability with business scalability in emerging markets, Kisarasa stands as a powerful proof point. It reflects DailyCo’s long-term vision of ethical food branding and community-driven storytelling.
Looking ahead, DailyCo is actively exploring partnerships and opportunities to scale the show’s impact further, leveraging its unique brand strategy and growing audience. Kisarasa serves as a key example of how strategic content can drive measurable outcomes—for businesses, communities, and society at large.
Chef Juna Rorimpandey added, “Kisarasa wasn’t just about discovering great food in Indonesia —it was about recognizing the people behind it. These small-scale food entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of our culinary culture, and by telling their stories, we’re not only celebrating tradition, we’re helping build a more inclusive and resilient food economy for Indonesia.”
DailyCo invites potential investors, B2B partners, and media collaborators to learn more about Kisarasa’s broader mission to reshape food narratives in Indonesia—while promoting livelihoods and sustainability across the archipelago.
Learn more about Kisarasa and DailyCo’s mission by visiting: youtube.com/@Kisarasa_id
About DailyCo
The Daily Company (DailyCo) is Indonesia’s fastest-growing multi-brand F&B operator, delivering high-quality, scalable, and innovative dining solutions for individuals, businesses, and institutions. The company’s portfolio includes famous brands such as Dailybox, Antarasa, Breadlife, Lu'miere, Ayam Blenger PSP, HiGeorge!, Tempong PNS, and others. From quick-service meals to large-scale catering and enterprise F&B management, DailyCo makes delicious food accessible and effortless for Indonesian families. With 12+ brands, 200+ outlets across 25+ cities, and over 3 million meals served monthly, DailyCo also powers 450+ B2B clients with reliable, end-to-end food service solutions. It has a 2,500+ strong team and transforms everyday meals and special occasions into exceptional dining experiences, made from the heart.
