Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Appreciates Pertamina's MSME Empowerment System Innovation

Jakarta, September 5, 2021 – PT Pertamina (Persero), through the Micro and Small Business Funding Program (PUMK), has launched the second edition of the Pertamina SME 1000 book. The launch, held virtually on Saturday (28/8), was witnessed directly by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, Sandiaga Salahudin Uno, and hundreds of participants of the Pertamina UMK On Air Webinar on Radio Sonora.

Sandi appreciates Pertamina's innovation, especially in terms of empowering MSMEs. "I congratulate and appreciate (the launch of) the SME 1000: Encouraging Innovations. Because if we look at the common thread of entrepreneurship activities, of course, is innovation," he said.

According to Sandi, Pertamina's innovations are in the right portion. Simple and not too overwhelming. However, the expected impact could be better, faster, and more economical. "With these 3 (three) guidelines, I believe MSMEs can be more advanced and successful under Pertamina's guidance," he added.

Pertamina SME 1000 is a catalog of the list of 1000 MSMEs of Pertamina's leading Development Partners that have gone through a curation process in each business sector. Pertamina SME 1000 contains a business profile, product introduction, address, contact number, and the MSME's social media account. In addition, it contains information on MSMEs, which tells about the beginning of building a business to tips for maintaining until it is successful.

Vice President of CSR & SMEPP Management of Pertamina, Arya Dwi Paramita added, with this Pertamina SME 1000 book, Pertamina hopes to provide in-depth information and messages on the development of the MSME world in Indonesia. Hopefully, this book can also inspire various parties to encourage economic growth and independence of the Indonesian people through support for MSMEs.

"As for MSMEs themselves, the presence of the Pertamina SME 1000 book can encourage business development, market expansion, increase turnover, business matching between MSMEs. Therefore, they can become upgraded MSMEs that Go Modern, Go Digital, Go Online, and Go Global," he said.

In addition to Sandiaga Uno and Arya, several panelists were also present in the Webinar entitled MSMEs Go Online and Go Digital towards Strong MSEs, Sovereign Nation. Among them, the Director of Business and Marketing of SMESCO (LLP-KUKM), Wientor Rah Mada; Indonesian Professional Economist and Entrepreneur, Budi Satria Isman; and Pertamina's partner, owner of Kekean Wastra Gallery, Achmad Nur Hasim.

This activity is part of the Proudly Made in Indonesia East Kalimantan (GBBI Kaltim) and SMEXPO 2021 pre-events. Pertamina collaborates with the Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration; Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment; East Kalimantan Provincial Government; Bank Indonesia; and other stakeholders.

Acting Senior Vice President Corporate Communication & Investor Relations, Fajriyah Usman, added that through the MSE Funding Program, Pertamina wants to provide energy that can move the economy--energy that fuels and energy that produce sustainable growth.

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