Pertamina Fostered Partner Through Baline Chocolate Commits to High-Quality Production of Healthy Chocolate

Jakarta, May 2, 2021 - Indonesia's natural potential is abundant and will bring huge profits if appropriately managed. Through the Partnership Program, PT Pertamina (Persero) will assist fostered partners engaged in this sector to become an upgraded micro and small enterprises (MSEs). Therefore, Indonesian products can penetrate the global market.

This effort is being initiated by one of Pertamina's fostered partners, I Ketut Widana. The owner of UD Utami, which is located at Jalan Dewi Sri, Gg Salak I No. 1, Batubulan, Kec. Sukawati, Gianyar - Bali is now a successful chocolate manufacturer in Bali. "I want Baline Chocolate brand to be a Balinese chocolate," he said.

Widana does not want to take risks with his company, so he seeks out the highest quality chocolate raw materials. "I wanted to make the best chocolate bar that does not cause a sore throat or thirst and breaking teeth. By making a chocolate composition that is not too sweet but still delicious to be enjoyed," he added.

Starting in February 2007, he and his colleagues made their own chocolate with a small and simple shape like 500 hearts. They began by entrusting their processed products to several shops in Gianyar and Denpasar. Widana does not hesitate to deliver chocolate orders directly to customers' homes without a minimum purchase.

His hard work is now starting to pay off. His business expanded into several other herbal products such as Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), black garlic, and other processed spices. Marketing is carried out directly and through several social media and a marketplace with a similar name, namely Balinechocolate1, making its products reached almost all of Indonesia.

His concern for the environment is also reflected in the many empowered residents. There are about 30 people who helped him. It is one of the implementations of the 8th Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs), namely providing decent work and supporting economic growth. Every month, Widana can pocket a turnover of up to IDR 40 million.

Acting Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations of Pertamina, Fajriyah Usman, added that Pertamina appreciates sociopreneur-based businesses like Widana's. "As a country with abundant spices, we can use it wisely. Pertamina will support small businesses engaged in this sector," she said.

According to Fajriyah, through the Partnership Program, Pertamina wants to present the energy that drives the economy--energy that becomes fuel and energy that generates sustainable growth.

Pertamina always supports the achievement of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) by implementing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) based programs in all of its operational areas. It is part of environmental and social responsibility to realize economic benefits in the community.**