Inspired by Indonesia’s food biodiversity and indigenous knowledge, Helianti founded Javara in 2008, a food company that turns Indonesia’s food heritage into organic artisanal gourmet food products, distributed on national and global markets. A firm believer in the power of entrepreneurship to create inclusive business opportunities, Helianti also founded Sekolah Seniman Pangan, a food entrepreneurship school for youth in rural and remote Indonesia.
Former entertainment lawyer and consultant with an international career, Helianti Hilman has become the lead promoter of Indonesia’s food biodiversity heritage. She has contributed to revive the indigenous wisdom and food culture heritage of her country by making them relevant to the market, whilst leveraging digital technologies to create an inclusive business. Her work has impacted tens-of-thousands farmers and artisans across Indonesia, and has inspired many women entrepreneurs to follow her steps and embrace the digital transformation.