During Ramadan, Pertamina Incessantly Promotes Fostered MSME Products at Various Ramadan Bazaars

Jakarta, April 5, 2023 - Ramadan is a golden moment for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to increase turnover, where public consumption increases until it peaks ahead of Eid al-Fitr. Pertamina took this opportunity to involve its fostered MSMEs in various bazaars during Ramadan.

This week, Pertamina brought its superior products to several domestic and international exhibitions for MSME products. It is part of the Gerakan Nasional Bangga Buatan Indonesia program, so Indonesian would love and use the nation's children's creations, especially local products, to encourage  national economic growth through strengthening MSMEs.

One of the bazaars is the "Energy Partners Shopping for UMKM" by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, opened by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Arifin Tasrif, Tuesday (4/4). Arifin Tasrif stated that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is part of the Gernas BBI membership by taking a supporting role through several efforts to advance MSME players.

"This bazaar is expected to be a common means and platform to improve and market MSME products, collaborating with the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, as well as other stakeholders such as Pertamina, Mind ID, PLN SKK Migas, BUMN Bank, including its fostered MSMEs. Coinciding with Ramadan 1444 H filled with blessings, we hope that visitors can maximize shopping at the bazaar and sharing to provide benefits for all," Arifin explained in his remarks.

On the same occasion, Pertamina also held SMEXPO Bazar Ramadan at the Grha Pertamina Main Lobby, from April 3-6, 2023, with superior products from frozen food products, pastries, Muslim clothing, prayer equipment as a promotional event for Fostered MSME actors to market their products and increase sales during Ramadan.

Pertamina is also working with KADIN and the Ministry of SOEs to include their fostered partners in the UKMK go Global Trade Mission, at West Mall Singapore, starting April 3 -9, 2023. There are 10 superior Fostered Partner Products curated by KADIN taking part, with superior products such as coffee, honey, handicrafts, herbal teas, and cakes needed for Eid al-Fitr 1444 H.

VP of Corporate Communication of PT Pertamina (Persero), Fadjar Djoko Santoso, said Pertamina's support in providing fostered MSMEs through various exhibitions had benefited more than 25 MSMEs participating during this Ramadan.

"In line with the theme of commemorating Ramadan at Pertamina, Gratitude is Energy, our support for MSMEs is a form of gratitude for all in this holy month. Thus, it is hoped that it will become energy for small, medium, and microeconomic actors to keep pushing for national economic progress," he explained.

"We are grateful that the current conditions will become a momentum for MSME actors to bounce back to keep creating superior products. At the two-day SMEXPO Bazaar, thank God, our merchandise is selling well," said Lia, the owner of the Ninikus Mushroom business, who had prepared oyster mushrooms frozen food products processed.

Meanwhile, another frozen processed food entrepreneur, Sanrah Food, offers various dishes with fresh ingredients and rich Indonesian spices. "To attract visitors, we offer side dish packages at lower prices," explained Lina, owner of Sanrah Food.

The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Funding Program (PUMK) is one of Pertamina's efforts to encourage economic growth through support for the MSME sector in Indonesia. This program aims to increase small businesses ability to be strong and independent while providing a multiplier effect to improve people's welfare.

Pertamina has shown consistency in carrying out SDGs point 8 to increase inclusive and sustainable economic growth, productive and comprehensive employment opportunities, and decent work for all. It  is manifested in the form of coaching to all Pertamina-assisted MSMEs to encourage each fostered partner to become up-graded MSMEs.**