Inviting Young People to Preserve Traditional Fabrics, This MSME Innovates More Fashionable and Trendy Ulos Weaving

Jakarta, March 8, 2021 - Indonesia's diverse cultural wealth deserves to be preserved. It is one of Pertamina's reasons through the Partnership Program to foster small business actors, especially those engaged in the preservation of the country's culture and customs. Pertamina always fosters and accompanies these MSEs so that they can progressively upgrade.

It is what Pertamina's Foster Partner Tin Reihani Batubara feels. UD Rehani SME is engaged in fashion, namely producing Batak Melayu weaving and batik. "So far, weaving with ulos motifs is only limited to use in certain events, such as traditional events. With a few touches and modifications, it can be a fashionable outfit," she said.

In Tin's hand, her ulos weaving has become more fashionable to be used at any moment. Both formal and casual. It includes making it an option for all young people, especially career women who work in offices. "In this way, we introduce Batak and Malay traditional culture to the younger generation," she added.

She is also serious about this mission by intensifying several promotions. Under Pertamina's guidance, Tin has had several opportunities to participate in exhibitions both at home and abroad. Like several exhibitions in Jakarta and Malaysia. This opportunity is often maximized to introduce their products and traditional fabrics from their home areas on Jalan Tuas No.34, Medan City.

Some of the benefits of being under Pertamina's guidance have made Tin's business arguably upgraded. It is evidenced by the increase in turnover she got. Before becoming a Foster partner, she was able to get a turnover of IDR 30 million per month, after which she is now able to pocket up to IDR 40 million per month. "Finally, we can have a workshop too after becoming Pertamina's partner," she said.

The progress of her business is also balanced by the increase in the human resources needed. Now she employs eight people, all of whom are neighbors around Tin's house. She is committed to being able to provide many jobs. Following the implementation of SDGs point 8. Namely, providing work and supporting the economy and the application of ESG in the social sector.

Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations of Pertamina, Agus Suprijanto added, Pertamina will continue to support local cultural products to make it more global. Especially the traditional fabrics that are characteristic of a region in Indonesia. "We must protect all of this by preserving the artisans and MSEs engaged in this field to continue to develop and be able to upgrade to the global stage, "he concluded.**