Held 80 Training In the Span of 4 Months, Pertamina Intensified Online Training for MSMEs  

Jakarta, September 27, 2020 - The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has impacted MSMEs' space for movement. Both in terms of marketing and production. PT Pertamina (Persero) is committed to continuously encourage the empowerment of MSMEs fostered partners by holding online training. The intensity of the training continues to be added every time.

Vice President of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, Fajriyah Usman, said that during the period from May to August 2020, Pertamina had held 80 online training for its MSMEs partners. The number of participants involved reaches more than 4,600 MSMEs. "The MSMEs are very enthusiastic about this online training. They want to get tricks and tips to survive amid the pandemic," explained Fajriyah.

The topics raised were also quite interesting. The most significant portion is about online marketing. Fajriyah added that this topic is critical to be applied in current conditions, where MSMEs find it difficult to market their products face to face with their customers. "Like it or not, the safest way is through digital media," she added.

Other topics, continued Fajriyah, were about business, tips for surviving the Covid-19 era, branding, and product photos. These topics are relevant enough to be applied in current conditions. By mastering some of these topics, Fajriyah is sure, MSMEs will be able to adapt to these challenging conditions.

"We want an increase in the understanding of digital marketing by MSME actors. The chosen theme is adjusted to local conditions so that the marketing language used can be understood by both MSME actors and social media followers of MSME actors," said Fajriyah.

Fajriyah said this effort is implementing the Goal 8 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth and a full and productive workforce. "It is hoped that it can help people get decent jobs and encourage national economic growth," she said.

The time needed for the 80 online training is more than 120 hours. The average takes approximately 1.5 hours, with about 87 MSME participants per session. Fajriyah said that this number would continue to be increased as the Covid-19 pandemic has not ended.

One of the MSMEs assisted by Pertamina, who took part in one of these training, was Yuli Setiawati. The owner of the Binuki Toys business, which produces child-friendly toys, has attended training to market products in one of the marketplaces.

"By attending this training, I now understand how to sell online through the marketplace. The marketplace has more buyers, and they are spread throughout Indonesia. Therefore, it helps increase the sales of my products. I hope that similar training will continue to be held to help MSMEs be independent," said Yuli.**