Having just started a business, the Abon Tuna Masohi SME has Progressively Upgrade

Jakarta, February 27, 2021 - PT Pertamina (Persero) has fostered many small businesses that process local products through the Partnership Program. With high initiative and creativity, these local materials are transformed into products with high selling power. Therefore, these businesses can be upgraded while empowering the surrounding community.

One of Pertamina's fostered partners who is involved in the processing of local products is Irnawati Lanuru. The owner of the G&R Masohi Shop SME produces shredded tuna in Masohi City, Central Maluku Regency. "The fish resources in Masohi City are very abundant, with a little touch of creativity, it will increase the selling price," said Irna.

In Irna's hand, fresh tuna meat caught from Maluku waters is processed into a delicious and tasty shredded dish. To meet people's tastes, she makes tuna shredded products with two flavors, original and spicy. That way, she hopes that all ages can enjoy the products 

Even though it was only founded in January 2020, the G&R Masohi Shop business is growing rapidly. Now the products have been marketed to several mini markets and supermarkets in Ambon City and Bula. Since she decided to join Pertamina as a fostered partner, she could say that her business had upgraded. "Previously we worked completely manually, after obtaining a loan from Pertamina we could build a production house and buy several tools," she added.

It causes the need for workers also to increase. From what was initially done alone, now five people help Irna. It reflects SDGs point 8, namely providing work and supporting the economy and the application of ESG in the social sector. "I hope this business will grow and absorb a lot of workforce," she said.

Even though her business has only just started, together with Pertamina, she has already received many benefits, such as being selected to be a participant in Pertamina SMEXPO 2020 and continuing on the upgrading program, namely Pertamina UMKM Academy. "In this event, I have the convenience of managing the brand for the expansion of my product market network, thank you Pertamina," she concluded.

Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations of Pertamina, Agus Suprijanto, added that Pertamina would support the development of local products like what Irnawati did. Therefore, it can help the progress of regional economic potential to national and even abroad. "Pertamina will continue to strive to be its fostered partner to create SMEs that Go Global," he said.**