Pertamina Describes Its Strategy to Raise MSME Business Post Pandemic

Jakarta, November 3, 2020 - The Covid-19 pandemic condition has done many businesses run by MSMEs to be affected. PT Pertamina (Persero) explains several strategic programs to help raise their fostered MSMEs business through its Partnership Program.

Before Pertamina, The Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs, Teten Masduki, also conveyed essential things related to MSMEs. In his speech, Teten conveyed a lot about MSMEs' potential that can restore the national economy. Of course, with many innovations and the application of a digital ecosystem in running the businesses carried out by MSMEs.

Meanwhile, Vice President of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, Fajriyah Usman, said several new programs were arranged during the pandemic. It is Pertamina's effort to motivates their fostered MSMEs to rise from the pandemic. "One of which is by encouraging MSMEs to Go Digital and Go Online in marketing their products," she said.

In addition to capital assistance, the Pertamina Partnership Program has also prepared several coaching agendas specifically made during a pandemic. Among them, digital MSMEs training, in which until the third quarter of this year, Pertamina has held 131 training for MSMEs online and in person.

Also, the fostered partners have created social media groups per sector to facilitate communication. Furthermore, there is the involvement of fostered partners in social activities. Pertamina has absorbed the products of its fostered partners during the pandemic with a purchase value of more than IDR 12.68 billion.

Then, there is the MSMEs Pasar Digital (PaDi – Digital Market) program, which is a synergy program for 9 SOEs where no less than 7000 Pertamina partner MSMEs are registered in a digital-based procurement platform. Then there is an e-learning platform that is specifically made for MSMEs Pertamina's fostered partners. "Through this E-Learning, MSMEs will be nurtured online so that they can upgrade," she added.

Other programs that have had a significant effect on the rise of MSMEs after the pandemic are digitization and e-commerce. It is one form of guidance for MSMEs to be familiar with digital transactions and develop the e-commerce market. "We are working with several e-commerce sites to provide training and special features for our assisted MSMEs," she said.

Fajriyah added, apart from relying on the efforts of UMKM itself, Pertamina also helped promote the products and profiles of MSMEs. Namely, through several social media facilities, that is Youtube and Instagram @gen_umkm and @pertamina. All of the explanations were delivered at the MSMEs Festival, held on Tuesday (27/10).

By applying all these programs, Pertamina is confident that all its MSMEs fostered partners will quickly rise and recover from the pandemic's impact. Therefore, it can run the business as before. According to Fajriyah, this effort is one form of implementing the Goal 8 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth and a full and productive workforce. "Where it is hoped that it can help people get decent jobs and encourage national economic growth," she concluded.