Often Rejected by Banks, Pertamina Assists Salt Businesses in Bali to Increase Production 2 Times and Penetrates Export Markets

Klungkung, Bali, June 29, 2021 - PT Pertamina (Persero), through the MSE Funding Program, continues to monitor its fostered micro and small enterprises (MSEs) development. This time, direct monitoring was carried out to several fostered partners on the Island of the Gods, Bali. One of them was a visit to Natural Bali Kulkul MSE in Klungkung Regency on Thursday (17/6).

Acting Senior Vice President Corporate Communications & Investor Relations of Pertamina, Fajriyah Usman, explained that this partner is considered one of the MSEs in Bali that has developed rapidly. "It has only been established for about three years but has been able to become a Go Global MSE by exporting its products abroad," she said.

Ni Putu Ayu Wilasmini, the owner of CV Natural Bali Kulkul, admitted that when she joined Pertamina in 2020, her company development accelerated. Several countries that had been her export destinations were Singapore, France. Recently, she exported 2 tons of salt production to Thailand and 10 tons to California.

In addition, the business capital provided by Pertamina is used to build a greenhouse for salt production. Previously, with one existing greenhouse, she was able to produce 2-3 tons of salt per month. With the two greenhouses, the production has doubled to 4-6 tons of salt/month.

"In the past, we tried to borrow capital from the bank but were often refused. The bank always wonders why we needed to loan hundreds of millions to produce salt. However, we eventually received assistance from Pertamina, and my business is expanding now that the bank is pursuing loan offers. This is where my efforts are in saving the forgotten salt of the people," said Wilas.

Vice President of CSR and SMEPP Management of Pertamina, Arya Dwi Paramita, who went directly to the field, felt proud of Wilas's business. According to him, this effort can save the domestic salt production, which is being displaced by imported salt and be successful again.

"Various types of salt with excellent quality are produced at Natural Bali Kulkul. Mrs. Wilas's goal is to build community economic growth, not only the economy for herself but also the surrounding environment. It is this kind of business that we must always support," said Arya.

Arya hopes that Natural Bali Kulkul's business can continue to grow and spread its wings wider in product exports. It is also expected to providing opportunities for residents, especially women in Bali, to provide employment opportunities.

According to Arya, 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 environmental and social responsibility to realize economic benefits in the community.**