Pertamina Supports Sociopreneur MSMEs, These Foster Partners Invite Housewives to Make Smock Pillow Crafts

Jakarta, December 24, 2020 - PT Pertamina (Persero) carried out fostering and mentoring MSMEs through the Partnership Program massively. The goal is clear to encourage the fostered MSMEs to upgrade and develop their businesses while helping the surrounding community to provide employment opportunities.

Naning Herdining has implemented it. This Indah Cipta MSME owner has implemented a sociopreneur-based business in running her business. "I invite unemployed housewives to help make pillow crafts; thus, they can have an income too," explained Naning.

Currently, there are around 5 to 6 employees who help her business. That number may increase depending on the number of orders that come. Naning will be in charge of cutting the satin patterns and then giving them to the employees to be perfected. "Because this is a handmade product, the quality is very much maintained so that one pillow size 40x40 can be finished 3-4 days," she added.

Naning has been doing this business, which is based in Takalar, South Sulawesi, since 2000. In the beginning, she just spent her spare time making pillowcases and smock curtains. However, due to positive comments from family and neighbors, Naning became serious about this business.

She sells various works such as pillowcases, bolsters, tablecloths, bed covers, and party bags. For the price issue, Naning does not charge a high price, and the price is determined from the level of complexity of manufacture. The price ranges from IDR 50 thousand to IDR 125 thousand per pillowcase.

Thanks to her persistence, Naning can get a turnover of up to IDR 10 million per month. Currently, by becoming Pertamina's fostered partner, this Madiun-born woman has many opportunities to promote her products in exhibitions such as the one held in Samarinda in 2017. "Hopefully, with this capital assistance from Pertamina, I can use it to develop my business and help many people," she said.

Vice President of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, Fajriyah Usman, added that Pertamina appreciates the sociopreneur-based business that Naning is doing. It is an example of implementing the Goal 8 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "By upgrading the MSMEs' class, it is hoped that the workers will be more prosperous and bring a multiplier effect for all," concluded Fajriyah.**