International Disability Day, Pertamina's Fostered MSEs with Diffables Spirit to Help Others Deserves a Thumbs Up

Jakarta, December 13, 2021 – Commemorating International Disability Day on December 3, PT Pertamina (Persero) empowers Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) through the MSE Funding Program. Pertamina fostered and assisted them. Therefore, they become upgraded, resilient, competitive MSEs.

Vice President for Corporate Communication of PT Pertamina (Persero), Fajriyah Usman, explained that Pertamina has never been indiscriminate in guiding MSEs. Pertamina encourages its fostered partners to implement sociopreneur-based businesses, one of which is empowering people with disabilities.

"The condition of Pertamina's fostered MSEs are quite varied. Not only do many MSEs empower persons with disabilities, but many MSE owners are in special conditions. However, their enthusiasm in fighting for their families and helping others deserves a round of applause," she said.

One of the beneficiaries of the PUMK Program is Nurjannah. Batik Mayana MSE owner based in Ternate City, is quite special. "My husband and I are disabled, but I want to learn the business. Finally, in 2013 we engaged in the culinary field. Many friends wonder how can someone with conditions like mine run a business. In the end, I also trained people with disabilities," explained Jannah.

The training was provided free of charge. She also established a Special Skills Education Institute for people with disabilities, school dropouts, and widows. "We guide all of them so that they can make their own and independent businesses," she added.

Until now, there are around 34 workers who have helped her business. A total of 32 of them are persons with disabilities. The conditions are also different. However, Jannah can arrange and provide appropriate portions for those who help her. "They are very enthusiastic and productive at work," he said.

There is also Sri Sunarti. The owner of the Iwatik business runs her business assisted by five disabled workers. The Iwatik store is located at Jalan RE Martadinata No. 31 Central Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. Hand-drawn batik products are priced at IDR 600 thousand for 2 meters, while printed batik costs IDR 75 thousand per sheet.

Now, her business is not just looking for profit alone. She also shares her knowledge by opening a batik class held at the Work Training Center (BLK) of Central Balikpapan. "I am grateful to be Pertamina's foster partner. Thank god, the demand for batik is rising, and more people are willing to learn to make Kalimantan batik," added Sunarti.

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

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