Supporting SDGs and ESG, Pertamina Encourages Apikmen MSE to Attract Global Markets

Jakarta, May 4, 2021 - Through the partnership program, PT Pertamina (Persero) encourages the creativity of its fostered partners to become an upgraded micro and small enterprises (MSEs). Pertamina is committed to supporting MSEs concerned with Indonesian culture preservation, especially for them to go global and enter the international market.

Agus Tri Santosa has also benefited from this support. Pertamina's fostered partner, the owner of the Apikmen fashion business, has a lot of amusing stories when he started his business. "We saw a batik shop at the mall, they offered me because I was wearing batik, the seller said, 'I think you are a batik fan, just make it, come here’," said Agus.

The original production of ten pieces of batik, which began in 2011, was quickly sold out. Agus and Elva, his wife, decided to seriously establish Apikmen taken from the Javanese language, which in Indonesian means very good.

Agus explained, in the production process, Apikmen collaborates with more than 15 artisans from various cities. Carrying the tagline of ethnicity, seje (different), and style, Apikmen has never been absent from the Indonesia Fashion Week since 2012 to 2016. Apart from clothing, Apikmen has many products such as prayer mats, hats, and souvenir bags. Apikmen's excellence can be seen from its unique style and color combination.

Apikmen also had the opportunity to participate in various ethnic clothing exhibitions abroad, such as Turkey, South Africa, Japan, and Russia. Agus explained, before leaving for the exhibition, his party researched to adapt the product to the style of the destination country. That way, he can adjust the colors or motifs that are preferred in the country. Therefore, the product will be in great demand because it combines the unique culture of Indonesia and the local ethnicities of the destination country.

Assisted by eight employees, Apikmen can earn a turnover of up to IDR 40 million per month. In terms of marketing, Agus has an outlet at Fatmawati MRT Station and utilizes social media @apikmenbyats and several Apikmen marketplaces to attract many customers. Its products have been marketed in almost all parts of Indonesia plus the neighboring country of Malaysia.

Acting Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations of Pertamina, Fajriyah Usman added, Pertamina appreciates the business steps undertaken by Agus Tri Santosa. "Batik is a cultural heritage from Indonesia that we must protect together by supporting the artisans to stay prosperous," she said.

According to Fajriyah, through the Partnership Program, Pertamina wants to present the energy that drives the economy--energy that becomes fuel and energy that generates sustainable growth.

Pertamina always supports the achievement of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), especially at point 8 in increasing inclusive and sustainable economic growth, productive and comprehensive employment opportunities, and decent work. It is implementing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) based programs in all operational areas. It is part of the environmental and social responsibility to realize economic benefits in the community.**