Continue to Implement SDGs, Pertamina Fosters More Than 2900 MSEs in Maluku and Papua

Jakarta, July 4, 2021 - PT Pertamina (Persero), through the MSE Funding Program, has fostered more than 65,000 micro and small enterprises across all of Indonesia. As the quality of coaching continues to increase, the number of MSEs also increases. It includes growing and developing MSEs in Eastern Indonesia, especially Maluku and Papua.

Acting Senior Vice President Corporate Communications & Investor Relations of Pertamina, Fajriyah Usman said, from 1993 to May 2021, Pertamina has fostered more than 2900 MSEs in Maluku and Papua. "The fostered partners from these two islands use the surrounding resources to become business opportunities," she said.

The potential of natural and human resources in Maluku and Papua is abundant, triggering the growth of micro and small enterprises, which are rapid in both regions. Thus, the community-based economy is also developing. According to data compiled by the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs RI, the two regions reach more than 130 thousand MSEs.

Fajriyah added that Pertamina's presence in the region, namely Marketing Operational Region (MOR) VIII Papua and Refinery Unit (RU) VII Kasim West Papua made MSEs wishing to join Pertamina's guidance feel closer.

"As a result, from 2020 to May 2021, there have been 360 new foster partners from Maluku and Papua. All MSEs will be treated the same as MSEs from other regions. Namely coaching and mentoring to become upgraded MSEs," she said.

Sherly Waromi, one of the MSMEs assisted by RU VII, admitted that she is happy to be Pertamina's fostered partner. The owner of this kerosene base plans to use the capital loan obtained to expand her business into other trading fields, namely in sports equipment. "Hopefully, it can be bigger and employ more people. Therefore, it can help residents earn income," she said.

In contrast to Steven Ibo, this MOR VIII fostered partner said that the capital received was used to increase the volume of his business engaged in Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) production into VCO soap, VCO capsules, and red fruit soap. "The assistance from Pertamina will be used as working capital in producing more soap and virgin coconut oil, especially now, the demand for our production is high," said Steven.

According to Fajriyah, through the MSE Funding Program, Pertamina wants to provide energy that moves the economy--energy that fuels and energy that produce sustainable growth.

Pertamina also supports SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) achievements through 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.**