Pertamina's Fostered Partners Rise during the Pandemic, Production of Masks and Hazmat with Turnover of Hundreds of Million

Jakarta, 26 March 2021 - During the Covid-19 pandemic, many micro and small enterprises (MSEs) expanded their business by producing personal protective equipment (PPE). PT Pertamina (Persero), through the Partnership Program, always accompanies these MSEs and at the same time uses some of the PPE products produced by these fostered partners. Therefore, they can quickly recover and rise from the impact of the pandemic.

One of the fostered partners who took this expansion step is Asih Wijayanti. This AW Collection business owner initially produced various souvenirs and leather bag products for men and women. "Since the pandemic, I started making PPE in the form of masks and hazmat that the public and health workers can use," he said.

Asih herself had received an award at the Pertamina Local Hero Awards 2020. Several sociopreneur roles applied to her business led her to win 3rd place in the Partnership Category at the event. One example of this role is the empowerment of domestic violence victims and other vulnerable groups through convection production activities.

"Seeing the reality around where many women live as housewives and do not have other activities to help their families' economy. Finally, I invited and taught her to be able to sew so that she could improve her family's condition," said Asih. Until now, Asih has 27 employees who are empowered to help her business.

The amount is equivalent to the increase in production experienced by her business. Her masks and PPE were well received, that she finally got orders for tens of thousands of masks and PPE. "At the beginning of the pandemic, I once received an order for PPE up to 25 thousand pieces. I have to be able to send a thousand pieces of PPE per day," she said.

This blessing also brings fantastic benefits. Within a month, Asih could get a profit of up to IDR 150 million. The marketing area for the product, made at Jalan Pamulihan 186 Mertasinga, Cilacap, is also expanding. It was only in Java in the beginning. Now it has regular customers in Palembang, Ambon, Pontianak, Sorong, Balikpapan, and other big cities.

Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations of Pertamina, Agus Suprijanto, said that Asih's business is implementing SDGs, the 8th goal of providing jobs and supporting economic growth and the implementation of ESG in the social sector. "The Partnership Program will continue to assist the AW Collection businesses and other MSEs so that they continue to develop and be able to move up in class," he said.

According to Agus, through this Partnership Program, Pertamina wants to always provide energy that drives the economy. Energy that becomes fuel, as well as the energy that generates sustainable growth.**