Pertamina's Fostered Partner Raises Hundreds of Million Turnover and Support SDGs in Rujak Cireng Business  

Jakarta, 22 April 2021 - The opportunity to do a culinary business is excellent for the micro and small enterprises (MSE) assisted by Pertamina. Moreover, supported by intensive coaching starting from the production process, packaging, and marketing provided by the Pertamina Partnership Program has made small entrepreneurs from the culinary sector become MSEs up in class.

Lilis Komariah, Pertamina's fostered partners from Buahbatu Village, Kec. Bojongsoang, Kab. Bandung has managed to gain success with its Cireng LS business. Traditional culinary business trends are being put to good use by her. "Many people like this special West Java cireng, so I modified it to have a more delicious taste," she said.

For Lilis, this business activity is carried out to create jobs and develop a more advanced regional economy. "It is simple, but for me, it becomes a strong motivation to run this business that can benefit other people and the area where I live," said Lilis.

Sure enough, as many as 12 people, the majority of whom are housewives, are also empowered to help their economy. This noble effort is in line with the 8th Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs), namely providing decent work and supporting economic growth.

These noble ideals have led Lilis to become a growing entrepreneur. Since its establishment in 2012 with the CV Global Best LS flag, Cireng LS MSE has shown a positive trend. Especially since becoming Pertamina's fostered partner in 2020, its production capacity has continued to increase. "Previously, the production was 5 tons, now it can be 7 tons per month," she said.

It impacts the sales turnover of its products which also increases by about 50 percent to hundreds of millions every month. "This is not an ordinary Cireng, but I focus on the quality. The cireng is soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. There are a wide variety of flavors and does not explode when fried," added Lilis. With this advantage, Lilis is confident to market to various regions in Indonesia through exhibitions and even online.

Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations of Pertamina, Agus Suprijanto, added that Pertamina appreciates sociopreneur-based businesses like Lilis's. "We will support businesses like Cireng LS to grow because it promotes regional specialties and continues to provide many jobs," he said.

According to Agus, through the Partnership Program, Pertamina wants to provide 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 the environmental and social responsibility to realize economic benefits in the community.**