Muslim Dress Fashion Trend Going Global, This Pertamina Fostered Partner Achieves Hundreds of Million Turnover

Banten, December 25, 2021 – PT Pertamina (Persero) through PT Pertamina Patra Niaga West Java Region continues to be committed in supporting the micro and small economy in all sectors of its fostered partners. Yuniarti, a woman born in Bandung in 1975, is the owner of a women's & children's Muslim clothing business with an Instagram account @malaeka_id.

Starting from moving to Banten following her husband to work, Yuniarti wanted to try her luck in the business world. Starting a business by selling balado chips in Banten was not a bright start for her. In 2014, Yunarti tried her luck again in a different line of business. This time, she tried in the field of Muslim women's & children's clothing with only 1 employee who was previously a tailor around her home.

“This business started when I tried to wear the hijab, it turned out to be much neater and looked beautiful. I posted a photo of me using my hijab, and my friends wanted to order the hijab that I used until I finally felt this was a business opportunity. From there, my husband gave me a sewing machine as a birthday gift at a price of IDR 600 thousand, which was the capital for me to start a business,” explained Yuniarti.

In 2017, Yuniarti's business grew rapidly until its turnover reached 230 million per month and already has 20 employees. From her efforts, he can produce hijab, women's Muslim clothes, women's leggings, and mukena. The prices of the products sold vary, starting from Rp. 15,000 to Rp. 500,000.

In December 2018, a tsunami hit the west and north coasts of Serang Regency. The Tsunami disaster was not an easy thing to experience, including for the people of Serang. It doesn't stop there, at the beginning of 2019 the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world, including Indonesia. All business lines were affected, including Yunarti's business, which almost went out of business.

However, with a strong determination, Yunarti continues to innovate to be able to meet market demands without being limited by producing women's fashion and starting selling online.

"To be able to survive during the pandemic, entrepreneurs must remain productive and continue to innovate. Pertamina educates the fostered partners to shift from conventional sales to online sales. This is to anticipate the accumulation of production without a market," said Area Manager Communication, Relations & CSR of Pertamina Patra Niaga West Java Region, Eko Kristiawan.

“Being a Pertamina Fostered Partner is very influential on my business. I can buy fabric stocks and able to continue producing according to the market demand, daily operations, and also to renovate the production site. Not only did I get a capital loan, but I was also able to take part in the online bazaar held by Pertamina," Yuniarti said.

Yuniarti is now very grateful for being able to participate in empowering the surrounding community in her business so that it can create jobs and help reduce unemployment.

"Through the partnership program, Pertamina is present as energy for Micro and Small Enterprises, and together we drive the wheels of the community's economy," concluded Eko.

This program also aims to continue implementing point 8 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely decent work and economic growth. In addition to the SDGs, Pertamina also seeks to implement Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) in the social sector. With this, Pertamina believes it can always generate economic benefits in the community in line with environmental and social responsibilities.

The requirements to be Pertamina's fostered partners can be seen at https://www.pertamina.com/id/program-kemitraan.**