Harkitnas, Momentum for MSMEs Awakening: Pertamina Collaborates with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy to Support the Strengthening of Hotel and Restaurant Supply Chains through a Business Pre-Meeting in Bali

Jakarta, May 21, 2022 - Hari Kebangkitan Nasional (Harkitnas) is utilized as momentum for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to upgrade. At this moment, to support the strengthening of the supply chain for the tourism industry, especially hotels and restaurants in Bali, PT Pertamina (Persero) through the Micro and Small Business Funding (PUMK) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) and the Bali Provincial Tourism Office held a Pre Business Meeting on Friday, May 20, 2022, at the Joop Ave Hall of the Tourism Polytechnic in Badung, Bali.

The event was opened by the Deputy Industry and Investment of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Henky Hotma Parlindungan Manurung. The Director of Industrial Management at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Anggara Hayun Anujuprana, Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, and Director of Bali Poltekpar, Ida Bagus Putu Puja, were present. Also present were Pertamina representatives, Rusminto Wahyudi as Sr. CSR & SMEPP Supervisor of Pertamina Patra Niaga East Java Balinus, 26 hotel and restaurant leaders, as well as 20 food, beverage, fashion, and craft SMEs.

In his speech, Henky expressed his appreciation to Pertamina for its concern for MSMEs. "Let's together oversee this business meeting's activities because MSMEs are the backbone of the Indonesian economy," he said.

This activity aims to bring together tourism industry players, especially hotel and restaurant businesses, with MSMEs players in the creative economy so better cooperation can be established. This activity is expected to accelerate, encourage the percentage increase in the level of local product components, turnover, supply, and demand, as well as employment in supply chain strengthening.

The decline in COVID-19 cases and the easing of wearing masks in open spaces certainly bring optimism for the tourism rise potential in Indonesia, especially on the island of Bali.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, conveyed hotels and MSMEs' readiness in Bali. According to him, almost 90% of Bali is very dependent on the tourism industry. The COVID-19 pandemic is very influential on the Balinese economy. "However, SOE leaders and MSMEs communicate and work hand in hand to overcome them," he said.

Furthermore, each MSME explained its products and identified the potential needs for Creative Economy MSME products from the Hospitality Industry.

Met separately, Acting VP Corporate Communication of PT Pertamina (Persero), Heppy Wulansari, said the business pre-meeting activity was Pertamina's support for MSMEs in developing their business in the tourism industry, especially in Bali Province, which is currently facing the G20 grand event. "MSMEs are an important pillar of national economic revival because their products are closely related to many people," she said. In addition to their diverse products and spread across all levels of society, MSMEs involve many residents and can absorb a significant workforce.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected supply chains globally. Heppy hopes that this activity can substitute hotels and restaurants' needs with new products created by MSMEs.

Not only that, the activity that took place at the Joop Ave Hall of the Tourism Polytechnic was also a form of empathy for MSMEs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. "This national awakening momentum is expected to be a revival for MSMEs to produce innovative, high-quality products, and be able to penetrate the global market," explained Heppy.

Stephen David Wattimena, Pertamina's fostered partner from Bali, said that today's business pre-meeting event, initiated by various government agencies and state-owned enterprises, was a prod for the Balinese, especially MSMEs. "This is the most appropriate moment at the beginning of the revival of the tourism industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for the Balinese people who are very dependent on this industry," he said. The owner of the Bali UMKM, Taru Rahayu, is very grateful to all parties, especially Pertamina as an initiator.

"This event is an opening for market access and the beginning of connecting business actors such as MSMEs with buyers," stated Heppy.

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

Through MSME programs and the spirit of Energizing Your Future, Pertamina wants to provide energy that can move the economy--energy that fuels and produces sustainable growth and strive to encourage every Foster Partner to become an upgraded and global MSME.**