Processed Hygienically and Has a High Mineral Content, Bali Salt owned by Pertamina's Fostered Partner Penetrated the Export Market
Jakarta, April 13, 2021 - Indonesia has many coastal areas with abundant salt production potential. Several Pertamina's fostered partners use this potential to create local salt processing businesses. Through the Pertamina Partnership Program, micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in the salt processing sector are fostered to become an upgraded MSEs.
One of Pertamina's fostered partners who is engaged in this business is Ni Putu Ayu Wilasmini. The CV Natural Bali Kulkul business owner on Jalan Raya Jumpai, Jumpai Village, Klungkung, Bali, has recently started her business. However, the size of this business opportunity made the business grow fast. "Established at the end of 2017, and I am grateful that the past few years, we have been able to export salt commodities abroad," she said.
According to Ayu, its products have been marketed in almost all major cities in Indonesia. Meanwhile, for foreign markets, the salt produced by CV Natural Bali Kulkul has been exported to the United States, France, Thailand, and Singapore. "Traditional Balinese salt has a unique taste and is not bitter. That is what makes many foreigners like it," she explained.
Apart from the taste aspect, the Klungkung Bali salt that she produces also has a high mineral content, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium, good for health. Ayu also produces other processed commodities in the form of chocolate, honey, and snacks.
To meet the needs of the increasing market demand, Ayu also adds to the number of workers. She empowers 12 employees, the majority of whom are housewives near her business. This effort is one form of implementing the 8th Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs), namely providing decent work and supporting economic growth.
After joining Pertamina in 2020, CV Natural Bali Kulkul's business is growing. Salt production, which was initially at 60 tons/year, has now increased to 100 tons per year. It has an impact on her income which is also growing to around IDR 100 million every month.
Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations of Pertamina, Agus Suprijanto, appreciated Ayu's business. According to him, this can boost the Indonesian salt market and penetrate the international market. "Pertamina will assist intensively so that this high-quality salt product can encourage MSEs to upgrade," he said.
According to Agus, through this Partnership Program, Pertamina always wants to provide energy that drives the economy--energy that becomes fuel and energy that generates sustainable growth. Apart from SDGs, Pertamina tries to implement Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) in the social sector. Pertamina believes that it can consistently generate economic benefits in the community in following environmental and social responsibilities.**