Pertamina Fostered More than 7500 in the Fisheries and Farming Sector; This is Budiono's Effort to Meet the Food Needs in the East of Indonesia  

Jakarta, November 19, 2020 – The effort to empower MSMEs by PT Pertamina (Persero) through its Partnership Program has reached almost every small and middle sector. One of which is the fisheries and farming sector. Pertamina has fostered more than 7500 in that sector, amounting to IDR 341 billion.

One of Pertamina's fostered partners engaged in these two sectors, namely Budiono. The Abimanyu business owner is arguably a business engaged in fisheries and farming from upstream to downstream. "I did everything. Starting from seeding, enlarging, processing, marketing to selling finished products through restaurant businesses," he explained.

Budiono himself started to start the business around 1999. Initially, he only opened a grocery store. However, due to the high demand for food in Sorong Regency, there are other business opportunities for Budi. "Finally, starting in 2006, fisheries business and only in 2019 develop wings in the farming sector," he explained.

One of Budiono's enthusiasm for running this business is his attention to the need for food in eastern Indonesia, especially Sorong Regency, where he lives. According to him, the business potential in the food sector can still be maximized. "I want to be able to meet the food needs of my region, so there is no need to take it from outside," he said.

Budiono's efforts in maintaining the quality of his products are of great concern. Because now, the marketing reach of fishery products is even wider. Besides supplying food stalls and traditional markets, he has also put his products in several supermarkets in the City and Regency of Sorong. "The size of our freshwater fish has met the standards for distribution to supermarkets," added the man who was born in Banyuwangi, East Java.

Now, apart from the fishing business, Budiono has also started a business in the farming sector. Among them are duck, chicken, goat, and cow farms. All of them were cultivated using land facilities provided by the government for the transmigrants. With this effort, he can also empower local residents to help his business.

About ten workers assist in managing all business fields in the Jamaimo Village, Mariat District, Sorong Regency. However, behind that, several small suppliers are directly empowered. "The need for fish in Sorong reaches 15 tons to 30 tons, but I can only supply 5 tons. I take the drawbacks from these suppliers," he explained.

With his hard work, Budiono can pocket a monthly turnover of IDR 50 million. For its marketing, Budiono can only take advantage of the local network. Under Pertamina's guidance, he hopes to develop his marketing network. "As Pertamina's fostered partner, I want to increase production volume and meet local food needs in eastern Indonesia," he said.

Acting Vice President of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, Heppy Wulansari, appreciated Budiono's business. According to her, business in the food sector is one of the businesses that needs to be supported. "Also, Mr. Budiono also puts forward sociopreneur-based businesses because he empowers local workers and small suppliers," said Heppy.

Pertamina will also help the businesses that Budiono and other assisted MSMEs undertake to advance to become superior and independent MSMEs to provide jobs and help economic independence. "This is an implementation of the Goal 8 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hopefully, it can help people get jobs and encourage national economic growth," concluded Heppy.**