Once Bankrupt and In Debt, Pertamina's Fostered MSE Rise and Build a Business with a Turnover of Hundreds of Millions

Jakarta, September 27, 2021 – The success of Pertamina's Micro Small Enterprises (MSE) today is the result of their difficult business journey. Not infrequently, many businesses suffer losses and go bankrupt. However, this condition did not dampen their motivation to build a better business. As shown by the following PT Pertamina (Persero) fostered partners.

Made Diksa Wimona, the owner of CV Denara Duta Mandiri, one of Pertamina's fostered partners, has experienced turmoil in the business world. He started a business making incense and air freshener in 1997. "I had IDR 1 million for capital. It was initially promising and growing," he said.

However, many similar products appear from the manufacturer and made its business experience setbacks. His business had to go bankrupt in 2005. Two years later, Diksa tried his luck again by making spa and cosmetic products. "After doing a lot of research, this business has a good opportunity with a long term," he said.

Sure enough, with an initial capital of IDR 3 million, his business grows with a monthly turnover of IDR 120 million. Since becoming Pertamina's fostered partner in 2020, he has increased the number of workers from 13 to 18 people, which affected its production capacity, from the original 25 thousand pcs/month to 35 thousand pcs/month.

Aji Komara, the owner of Masterprint.id has a similar story. The business has experienced its worst business conditions. Precisely in 2018, his business was near bankruptcy because he was in debt. "Due to large debts, it caused big losses as well," he said.

However, Aji did not want to give up. By maximizing the remaining conditions, from raw materials to loyal workers, he maintains his business today. Thanks to his determination, now Masterprint.id's business has brought profits of up to more than IDR 100 million every month. "There are always lessons to be taken for the improvement and progress of the business," he said.

Acting Senior Vice President Corporate Communications & Investor Relations of Pertamina, Fajriyah Usman explained, Pertamina, through the MSE Funding Program (PUMK), will continue to help Indonesian MSEs to rise. "Of course, through capital loans and coaching programs to encourage MSEs to upgrade, be tough, and be independent," she said.

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

Pertamina also supports SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) achievement by implementing 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.**