Dare to Innovate, Pertamina's Fostered MSEs Successfully Creates Products the Community Loves

Jakarta, September 28, 2021 – PT Pertamina (Persero) consistently encourages its MSEs sustainably. Through Go Sustainable, the Micro and Small Business Funding Program (PUMK) has fostered more than 65 thousand MSEs in Indonesia. Of the tens of thousands of MSEs, there are many innovations and creativity. As a result, the business has become more developed and has made the MSEs upgrade.

Acting Senior Vice President Corporate Communications & Investor Relations of Pertamina, Fajriyah Usman, explained Pertamina had provided several tactics and strategies for MSEs to develop. "One of them is encouraging MSEs to innovate product manufacture and marketing," explained Fajriyah.

One example is Laili Damayanti. The owner of Mantu Kurma Rasa business started her business with various experiments with dates. "Initially, I tried to make spicy dates. The public's response was quite good. Then I ventured to sort several permits to support my business, such as PIRT, Halal, CV, etc. I also added flavor variants such as ginger dates, chocolate dates, coffee dates, and peanut chocolate," she explained. The product catalog can be seen via social media @mantukurmarasa_pedas_kopi_jahe.

Ni Made Roni, Karsa Abadi - Made Tea business owner creates infusion botanical teas based on her traveling hobby. "After many visits to various countries, the choice of tea is limited to green tea and black tea. I then develop teas from local ingredients, such as lemongrass, gumitir flowers, flower knobs mixed with spices to make tea," she explained.

Her determination was shown when Made went to India in 2015 to learn how to make Proper Chai Tea. Soon after, she decided to return to Ubud, Bali, and make the Made Tea brand. "To date, we have around 18 blends of our spiced teas and are currently preparing a new blend. There is already a demand from Europe for this new product," she said. The product catalog can also be viewed via social media @madeteas.

Ty'p Herbal Drink owner, Ririn Musti Wijayaningsih is innovating with herbal products. "I was inspired to produce herbal medicine with practical, hygienic packaging and has a contemporary taste. There is a Rice Kencur Latte flavored drink product. Product options are available on our social media @catalog.typjamoe," she added.

After finding the right formula, her business progressed quite rapidly. In a month, she can produce up to 2 thousand bottles of herbal medicine. That number has increased by 150 percent after she became Pertamina's foster partner in 2020. Now, she can produce various herbal drinks up to 5 thousand bottles in a month.

According to Fajriyah, through the PUMK Program, Pertamina wants to provide energy that can move the economy--energy that fuels and energy that produce sustainable growth. Pertamina also encourages each partner to become upgraded MSEs and Go Global.

Pertamina supports SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) achievement, especially point 8, to increase inclusive and sustainable economic growth, providing productive and comprehensive employment opportunities and decent work for all. Pertamina also implements ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)-based programs in all operational areas. It is part of the Environmental and Social Responsibility (TJSL)to realize economic benefits in the community.**