The Blessing Behind the Disaster, This Karo Coffee Goes to the Land of the Pyramids

Jakarta, February 28, 2021 - PT Pertamina (Persero) always strives to foster optimism in its SMEs through the Partnership Program. These micro and small entrepreneurs will be assisted to upgrade marked by increased production and marketing turnover and the receipt of several certifications and business licenses.

It was felt by the owner of Fitri Coffee SME, Abdianto. After only a few months as a fostered partner, he was one step closer to getting several certificates for his specialty Karo coffee business. "I had the opportunity to take part in Pertamina UMKM Academy and after that I was immediately assisted in managing BPOM, HaKI, and Halal. I am very grateful," he said.

Apart from that, Abdianto's other benefits have been the increased production of his coffee business. Before joining Pertamina, Fitri Kopi only produced green beans. After receiving Pertamina's assistance and guidance, Fitri Kopi SME started making roast beans. "We immediately bought roasting equipment and grinder whose funds came from a loan from Pertamina," he added.

Fitri Kopi was initiated in 2017, precisely at the time after the eruption of Mount Sinabung. Initially, Abdianto was an orange farmer. However, due to the impact of the eruption, he switched direction to become a coffee farmer. To increase the selling value of post-harvest coffee, he first processes the hand-picked coffee beans. "There are Vienna, Honey, Natural, and Semi wash processes," he explained.

This business, in Ujung Payung Village, Payung, Karo, North Sumatra, is not done alone. Assisted by about six employees who are local residents, he was able to help empower the economy around his village—following the implementation of SDGs point 8, namely providing decent work and supporting the economy and ESG in the social sector.

With the achievement of several indicators for SMEs to upgrade, Fitri Kopi has also impacted broader marketing. Domestically, its products have been sold in almost all regions of Sumatra, Java and Kalimantan. Meanwhile, abroad, this aromatic coffee has reached the land of the pyramids of Egypt. "Those who are interested can contact them via social media @fitricoffee," he said.

Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations of Pertamina, Agus Suprijanto, added that Pertamina would support the development of local products like what Abdianto 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 become an upgraded SME to Go Global," he said.**