Sandiaga Uno: Fostered by Pertamina and SOEs, MSMEs can Develop and Rise

Jakarta, August 26, 2021 – Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) of the Republic of Indonesia, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, appreciates Pertamina's steps to foster MSMEs to develop and rise amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Collaborating with the Ministry of SOEs, Pertamina fosters MSMEs through Rumah BUMN spread across various regions in Indonesia.

The guidance of MSMEs is carried out by Pertamina, among others, through Live Bazaar and Webinar Talks, which are part of the pre-event for the Proudly Made in Indonesia Movement in East Kalimantan (GBBI Kaltim) and SMEXPO 2021 as well as in the framework of the National MSME Day.

Thirty foster partners from 30 Pertamina's Rumah BUMN (RB) around Indonesia attended the Live Bazaar. They highlight the advantages of products from their regions. In the Webinar Talk session, MSME actors also learn a variety of information and business skills.

Menparekraf Sandiaga Uno said MSEs would upgrade, from micro to small to become medium and large as well as go global companies like Pertamina.

"We believe that under Pertamina's guidance, these MSMEs can continue to grow and rise from the impact of the pandemic," he said at the opening of the Live Bazaar and Webinar Talk last week conducted online.

Sandi also appreciated the concept of the Teman Bantu Teman program initiated by Pertamina's Rumah BUMN. This program allows MSE actors to promote other MSE products.

"It is an impressive event. SMEs can help each other and work together. Therefore, we are not only proud of Indonesia-made products, but also proud to buy Indonesian products," added Sandi.

MSME actors are also very enthusiastic about participating in the Webinar Talk. The event, which was opened by Vice President CSR & SMEPP Management of Pertamina, Arya Dwi Paramita, was attended by nearly 300 participants. Also present were two keynote speakers, namely Agus Suharyono, Assistant Deputy for Social and Environmental Responsibility at the Ministry of SOEs, and Sartin Hia, Assistant Deputy for Creative Economy Development at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment.

In his presentation, Agus greatly appreciated the role of Pertamina in carrying out guidance for the MSEs under their guidance. Especially the programs that have been held and proven to have resulted in many MSEs upgrading. "From the Pertamina SMEXPO event, for example, it can be used as a market survey. At least take advantage of Pertamina group workers spread throughout Indonesia," he said.

Agus also advised the participants to make the most of the activity to make the event have more influence on MSEs.

"This is Pertamina's role. Therefore, Pertamina must make breakthroughs that can be felt by many people especially MSEs," he added.

Meanwhile, Sartin added, the government will continue to oversee the achievement target of MSEs upgrading to Go Online as many as 30 million MSEs by 2023. This target can be achieved by encouraging activities related to training, opening market access, and other coaching efforts.

"The activities that have been carried out by Pertamina, together with the Kemendes PDTT, the East Kalimantan Provincial Government, Bank Indonesia, and other parties need to be appreciated. Especially for his role in preparing the Proudly Made in Indonesia (GBBI) event next October," he said.

In line with the previous statement, Arya added that through the MSE Funding Program and Rumah BUMN, Pertamina wants to provide energy that moves the economy--energy that fuels and energy that produces sustainable growth.

Pertamina also supports SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) achievement through implementing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)-based programs in all of its operational areas. It is part of the Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) to realize economic benefits in the community.

Before entering the webinar segment by the speakers, a symbolic Halal certificate was handed over from the National Committee for Sharia Economy and Finance (KNEKS) to the Representative of PT Pertamina (Persero) Foster Partners, Wahyudi.

"Thank god, Pertamina has helped a lot in the process of obtaining this halal certificate. Hopefully, it can increase consumer confidence in my products," said the owner of Lubna Dapoer's business.**